Table Of Contents

Meet the Key Figures in Surah Sad: Roles, Significance & Takeaways

This Character Compendium provides a definitive exploration of the key figures, archetypes, and powerful symbols within Surah Sad, the 38th chapter of the Holy Qur’an. A powerful Makkan Surah, its primary objective is to confront the pride (‘izzah) and doubt of the disbelievers by recounting the stories of great and powerful prophets who, despite their worldly status, remained humble and devoted servants of Allah. The Surah delves into the trials of Dawud (David), the magnificent kingdom and tests of Sulayman (Solomon), and the profound patience of Ayyub (Job). It uses these narratives, along with the cosmic story of Adam’s creation and Iblis’s arrogant fall, to illustrate the core conflict between humble submission and prideful sin. Each character card examines the specific portrayal of these figures, extracting the timeless lessons on patience, repentance, and the ultimate accountability of all creation.

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Adam (عليه السلام)

Brief Biography / Background

Adam (عليه السلام) is the first human being, the father of all humanity, and the first prophet of Allah. His story is a foundational narrative in Islam, explaining the origins of mankind, the honor bestowed upon them by God, and the beginning of the enmity with Iblis.

Role in the Surah

In Surah Sad, the story of Adam’s creation is recounted as the ultimate backdrop for the sin of arrogance. After the disbelievers of Makkah show their pride, Allah recounts the original, cosmic act of pride. He tells of His command to the angels to prostrate to Adam, and the subsequent refusal of Iblis. Adam’s role is to be the honored creation, the one for whom the angels prostrated, and the one whose honor was the direct cause of the test that exposed Iblis’s hidden arrogance. “And [mention] when your Lord said to the angels, ‘Indeed, I am creating a human being from clay. So when I have proportioned him and breathed into him of My Spirit, then fall down to him in prostration.'” (Sad, 38:71-72).

Personality & Attributes

Adam represents the archetype of **honored creation and the object of divine favor**. His creation from clay is a sign of humility, but the act of the angels’ prostration is a sign of his immense, God-given honor. His story serves as the reference point for his children, the human race, and the test they face.

Major Lessons & Morals

• Humanity’s honor is not based on its physical origin but on the rank and spirit bestowed by Allah.
• Understanding the story of Adam’s honor is crucial to understanding the root of Iblis’s arrogant enmity towards us.
• The proper response to Allah’s command is immediate and humble submission, as modeled by the angels, not arrogant questioning, as modeled by Iblis.

Supporting References

The narrative in this Surah serves as a powerful reminder to the arrogant disbelievers. It tells them that their pride is not a new sin, but is an echo of the original, cosmic sin of Iblis, who also refused to submit based on a feeling of false superiority. To reject the Prophet is to follow in the footsteps of Iblis’s rejection of their father, Adam.

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Al-Ahzab (The Confederates)

Brief Biography / Background

Al-Ahzab, the Confederates or the Factions, is a term for the alliances of past nations that joined together in their opposition to the messengers of Allah. They represent the collective force of disbelief arrayed against the singular truth of monotheism.

Role in the Surah

They are mentioned as a historical precedent to warn the disbelievers of Makkah. The Surah lists several powerful nations that were destroyed for their denial, and then refers to them collectively as the Confederates. “The people of Noah denied before them, and ‘Aad and Pharaoh, the owner of stakes, and Thamud and the people of Lot and the companions of the thicket. Those are the confederates. Each of them denied the messengers, so My penalty was justified.” (Sad, 38:12-14).

Personality & Attributes

The Confederates are the archetype of **doomed and arrogant alliances**. They are characterized by their collective power and their unified stance in rejecting the truth. Despite their might, they are presented as nothing more than a “single shout” away from destruction.

Major Lessons & Morals

• The rejection of prophets is a consistent pattern throughout human history.
• No matter how powerful or numerous the alliances of disbelief may seem, they are ultimately powerless against the decree of Allah.
• The fate of the past “confederates” is a clear and undeniable warning to all who form alliances based on falsehood.

Supporting References

This passage serves to comfort the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ and to warn his opponents. It tells the Prophet that the opposition he is facing is not new. And it tells the Quraysh that their tribal alliances, which were the source of their strength, are no different from the powerful “confederates” of the past who were all utterly destroyed.

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Al-Akhyar (The Chosen Good Ones)

Brief Biography / Background

Al-Akhyar, The Chosen Good Ones, is an exalted title given to a specific group of prophets. The term signifies that they were not only “good” (khayr) but were chosen and purified by Allah for a special purpose, making them the best of the best.

Role in the Surah

This title is given to the prophets Ibrahim, Ishaq, and Ya’qub. After mentioning them, the Surah says, “And remember Our servants, Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob – those of strength and vision. Indeed, We chose them for an exclusive quality: remembrance of the home [of the Hereafter]. And indeed, they are, in Our sight, among the chosen and outstandingly good (al-mustafayna al-akhyar).” (Sad, 38:45-47).

Personality & Attributes

This group is the archetype of the **spiritual elite and the divinely-chosen guides**. They are characterized by their “strength” (in worship and resolve) and their “vision” (spiritual insight). Their defining quality was their constant and sincere “remembrance of the home of the Hereafter,” which oriented their entire lives.

Major Lessons & Morals

• Constant remembrance of the Hereafter is the quality that leads to being chosen and purified by Allah.
• A believer should strive to have both strength in their practice of the religion and deep spiritual insight.
• The stories of these prophets are presented so that we may learn from and emulate their elite qualities.

Supporting References

The phrase “remembrance of the home” (dhikra ad-dar) is a profound and concise description of their entire worldview. Their lives were not focused on this world, but were a constant preparation for and remembrance of their true and final home. This focus is what made them the “chosen good ones.”

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Al-Mala’ (The Arrogant Elites)

Brief Biography / Background

Al-Mala’ is the Qur’anic term for the elite chieftains, nobles, and influential leaders of a community. They are a recurring archetype of the primary opposition to the prophets, as the divine message of equality and accountability threatens their power and privilege.

Role in the Surah

The elites of the Quraysh are the primary audience being refuted in the opening of the Surah. When the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ called them to the worship of One God, their leaders walked away, encouraging each other to remain steadfast in their idolatry. “And the eminent among them went forth, [saying], ‘Continue, and be patient with your gods. Indeed, this is a thing intended.'” (Sad, 38:6). They are also the ones who arrogantly question why the Qur’an was revealed to Muhammad and not to a great man from one of the two main cities (Makkah or Ta’if).

Personality & Attributes

The Elites are characterized by their **arrogance (‘izzah), their opposition to the truth (shiqaq), and their elitism**. They are astonished that a messenger would call to the worship of a single God. Their rejection is based on pride and a desire to maintain the status quo of their power and their polytheistic traditions.

Major Lessons & Morals

• Arrogance and love of status are major barriers to accepting the truth.
• The message of God is often rejected first by the powerful elites because it calls for a justice and equality that threaten their privilege.
• A message’s truth is not determined by the social status of the messenger, but by its divine origin.

Supporting References

Their statement, “Indeed, this is a thing intended,” is a statement of conspiracy. They are accusing the Prophet of having a hidden political agenda to gain power over them. This is a classic tactic of those who oppose the truth: when they cannot refute the message, they attack the motives of the messenger.

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Al-Muttaqin (The Pious)

Brief Biography / Background

Al-Muttaqin, the pious or the God-conscious, are those who possess *Taqwa*. Taqwa is the state of being conscious and mindful of Allah in all of one’s affairs, which leads a person to perform righteous deeds and abstain from sin. They are the ultimate victors in the Hereafter.

Role in the Surah

The Pious are presented as the ones for whom a “good return” is prepared, in stark contrast to the evil destination of the transgressors. Their abode, the Gardens of Eden, is described in beautiful detail: “This is for the righteous. And indeed, for the righteous is a good return – gardens of perpetual residence, whose doors will be opened to them.” (Sad, 38:49-50). They are the ones who will enjoy the fruits, the pure companions, and the eternal peace of Paradise.

Personality & Attributes

The Pious are the archetype of the **successful and honored believer**. They are characterized by their God-consciousness, which guided their lives on earth. In the Hereafter, they are characterized by their state of honored rest, reclining in bliss and receiving all that they desire.

Major Lessons & Morals

• The ultimate success and a “good return” are exclusively for those who live a life of piety (Taqwa).
• The descriptions of Paradise serve as a powerful motivation for a believer to strive to be among the Muttaqin.
• A believer should long for this ultimate abode and work diligently to be worthy of the honor that Allah has prepared for them.

Supporting References

The contrast between their fate and the fate of the “Taghin” (the transgressors) who are described immediately after, is a central theme of the latter part of the Surah. The Surah paints two vivid and opposing pictures, forcing the reader to choose which group they want to join and which path they want to follow.

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Allah (The One God)

Brief Biography / Background

Allah is the proper name for the One, True God, the sole Creator, Sustainer, and Sovereign of all existence. Surah Sad is a powerful testament to His might, His wisdom, His forgiveness, and His absolute authority as the ultimate Judge.

Role in the Surah

Allah is the ultimate protagonist and authority in the Surah. He is the one who revealed the “Blessed Reminder.” He is the one who granted Dawud and Sulayman their vast kingdoms and tested them. He is the one who responded to the call of Ayyub and cured him. He is the one who chose the prophets Ibrahim, Ishaq, and Ya’qub. He is the one who commanded the angels and judged Iblis. He is the ultimate authority who will gather all of creation for the final judgment, where the people of Paradise and the people of Hell will dispute before their Lord.

Personality & Attributes

This Surah magnificently illustrates Allah’s attributes:

• Al-‘Aziz al-Wahhab (The Exalted in Might, the Bestower): The one who grants kingdom and mercy as He wills.
• Al-Ghaffar (The All-Forgiving): As declared by the Prophet, and as shown in His forgiveness of Dawud, Sulayman, and Ayyub.
• Al-Khallaq (The Creator): The masterful creator of Adam from clay.
• Al-Hakim (The All-Wise): His wisdom is evident in the tests He sends to His prophets.

Major Lessons & Morals

• All power, dominion, and mercy are in the hands of Allah alone, and He bestows them upon whom He wills.
• A believer must recognize that even the greatest of prophets were tested by Allah, and the proper response to a test is to turn back to Him in repentance.
• The ultimate purpose of life is to recognize the authority of the One God and to submit to Him, avoiding the path of arrogant rebellion pioneered by Iblis.

Supporting References

The Surah consistently links worldly power with spiritual accountability. The stories of Dawud and Sulayman are not just tales of great kings; they are profound lessons that even the most powerful of men are still humble, fallible servants who are in constant need of their Lord’s forgiveness and guidance.

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The Angels (Mala’ikah)

Brief Biography / Background

The Angels (Mala’ikah) are beings of light who are the perfectly obedient servants of Allah. They carry out His commands with perfect precision and are part of the unseen world. Their prostration to Adam was a pivotal event in cosmic history.

Role in the Surah

The Angels are mentioned in two key contexts. First, they are the “Exalted Assembly” (Al-Mala’ al-A’la) whose dispute the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ had no knowledge of until it was revealed to him. This dispute was about the creation of Adam. Second, they are the models of perfect obedience. When Allah commanded them to prostrate to Adam, they all did so without hesitation. “So the angels prostrated, all of them entirely, except for Iblis; he was arrogant and became of the disbelievers.” (Sad, 38:73-74).

Personality & Attributes

The Angels are the archetype of **perfect, humble, and immediate obedience**. They are characterized by their complete submission to the divine will. They do not question or hesitate when a command is issued. Their prostration was an act of worship to Allah and respect to Adam.

Major Lessons & Morals

• The highest virtue is immediate and unquestioning obedience to the commands of Allah.
• The angels’ prostration teaches us to honor what Allah has honored, regardless of our own perceptions or prejudices.
• The path of the angels is the path of submission, which is the path to divine pleasure.

Supporting References

The story of the Exalted Assembly serves as a proof of the Prophet’s divine inspiration. He could not have known the details of this cosmic event in the unseen world unless it was revealed to him by the one who witnessed it and commanded it: Allah Himself.

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Ashab al-Aykah (The Companions of the Wooded Thicket)

Brief Biography / Background

Ashab al-Aykah, the Companions of the Wooded Thicket, is the name given in the Qur’an to the people to whom the Prophet Shu’ayb (عليه السلام) was sent. They are also known as the people of Madyan. They were a community of merchants known for their widespread corruption.

Role in the Surah

They are mentioned in the list of past “confederates” (al-ahzab) that were destroyed for their denial of the messengers. They are grouped with the people of Nuh, ‘Ad, Pharaoh, and Lut as a clear historical warning to the disbelievers of Makkah. “Each of them denied the messengers, so My penalty was justified.” (Sad, 38:14).

Personality & Attributes

They are an archetype of a **corrupt and dishonest society**. Their defining sin, as detailed elsewhere, was economic injustice and idolatry. They are a model of a nation that rejected the call to both spiritual and worldly reform and were consequently destroyed.

Major Lessons & Morals

• The rejection of the prophets is a consistent pattern throughout human history that always leads to ruin.
• Allah’s justice is certain, and His penalty for those who deny His messengers is always justified.
• The fate of past nations serves as an undeniable lesson for those who are willing to reflect.

Supporting References

Their inclusion in the list of “confederates” is significant. It shows that the forces of disbelief, while appearing diverse, are a single party in their opposition to the truth. And their fate, destruction, is also a single, unified outcome for all who follow that path.

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Awwab (The Oft-Returning)

Brief Biography / Background

Awwab is an intensive Arabic term meaning “one who constantly turns back” in repentance and devotion. It is an exalted title given to the prophets who, despite their high rank, were in a perpetual state of turning to Allah for forgiveness and guidance. It is the archetype of the perfectly repentant servant.

Role in the Surah

This noble title is explicitly given to three prophets in this Surah, highlighting it as a central theme.

• Dawud: “and he was indeed oft-returning (awwab).” (38:17)
• Sulayman: “Excellent was the servant. Indeed, he was oft-returning (awwab).” (38:30)
• Ayyub: “Indeed, We found him patient, an excellent servant. Indeed, he was oft-returning (awwab).” (38:44)

Their role is to model the behavior of a true servant: no matter how much power, wealth, or piety one has, the core of their relationship with God is a constant state of return.

Personality & Attributes

The Awwab is characterized by **humility, sincerity, and a deep sense of reliance on Allah**. They are quick to repent from any mistake, no matter how small. They constantly turn to Allah in praise, in prayer, and in seeking forgiveness. It is the quality of a heart that is always directed towards its Lord.

Major Lessons & Morals

• The quality of being “oft-returning” is a defining characteristic of the greatest and most beloved servants of Allah.
• A believer should never feel that they are too righteous to repent. On the contrary, constant repentance is a sign of greater spiritual height.
• No matter the trial—be it a test of judgment (Dawud), power (Sulayman), or health (Ayyub)—the correct response is always to return to Allah.

Supporting References

The repetition of this title is a profound lesson. It teaches that the greatness of these prophets was not in their infallibility, but in their perfect ability to turn back to Allah after any test or lapse. It is a message of immense hope, showing that the path to being an “excellent servant” is the path of constant repentance.

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Ayyub (Job) `عليه السلام`

Brief Biography / Background

Ayyub (عليه السلام) was a righteous and wealthy prophet who is remembered for his legendary patience. He was tested by Allah with the severe loss of his wealth, his children, and his own health, yet he never complained and remained a steadfast servant of God.

Role in the Surah

The story of Ayyub is presented as a powerful lesson in patience and the mercy of Allah. It highlights his call to his Lord after being touched by the harm of Shaytan. Allah responds immediately, commanding him: “Strike [the ground] with your foot; this is a [spring for] a cool bath and drink.” (Sad, 38:42). Allah then restores his family to him, and “the like of them with them,” as a mercy and a reminder. He is praised by Allah as an “excellent servant” who was “oft-returning.”

Personality & Attributes

Ayyub is the ultimate archetype of **The Patient Servant (As-Sabir) and The Oft-Returning (Awwab)**. He is characterized by his profound patience in the face of unimaginable suffering. His call to God is one of faith and sincerity. He is a model of enduring hardship without ever losing faith in the mercy of his Lord.

Major Lessons & Morals

• In times of extreme hardship, one should turn to Allah with patient and sincere supplication.
• The reward for patience is immense; Allah not only removes the hardship but restores what was lost and multiplies it.
• The story of Ayyub is a “reminder for those of understanding,” teaching that the path of the righteous is paved with tests that require beautiful patience.

Supporting References

The story also contains a beautiful lesson in mercy and finding a way out of a difficult oath. Ayyub had sworn to strike his wife, but Allah, in His mercy, provided him with a gentle way to fulfill his oath without harming her, teaching that the spirit of the law can be fulfilled with compassion.

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The Blessed Reminder (The Qur’an)

Brief Biography / Background

The Blessed Reminder (Dhikrun Mubarak) refers to the Holy Qur’an. It is described as “blessed” (mubarak) because it is a source of immense and ever-increasing good, guidance, and spiritual benefit. It is a “reminder” (dhikr) because it awakens the human soul to the truth of its Creator.

Role in the Surah

The Qur’an is presented as the source of guidance that the disbelievers are in doubt about. The Surah itself is introduced as “the Qur’an containing the reminder.” The purpose of its revelation is clearly stated: “[This is] a blessed Book which We have revealed to you, [O Muhammad], that they may reflect upon its verses and that those of understanding will be reminded.” (Sad, 38:29).

Personality & Attributes

The Blessed Reminder is the archetype of **divine guidance, a source of blessing, and a call to reflection**. It is characterized by its profound verses that are meant to be pondered (tadabbur). Its ultimate purpose is to serve as a reminder for the “people of understanding” (Ulul-albab).

Major Lessons & Morals

• The Qur’an is a blessed revelation, and engaging with it is a source of immense good.
• The proper way to approach the Qur’an is not with a superficial reading, but with deep reflection (tadabbur) upon its verses.
• The ultimate beneficiaries of the Qur’an are those who use their intellect and understanding to grasp its message.

Supporting References

This verse is a cornerstone of the Islamic methodology for interacting with the Qur’an. It commands a deep, reflective engagement with the text, which is the key to unlocking its treasures and receiving its blessings. The entire Surah, with its rich stories and parables, is a perfect subject for this kind of reflection.

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The Birds (At-Tayr)

Brief Biography / Background

The Birds (at-Tayr) were miraculously commanded by Allah to join Prophet Dawud (David) (عليه السلام) in his glorification and praise of God. This was one of the special miracles bestowed upon Dawud as a sign of his honor and his deep connection with his Lord.

Role in the Surah

The birds are mentioned as participants in a grand chorus of divine praise, led by a prophet. Allah says, “Indeed, We subjected the mountains [to praise] with him, exalting [Us] in the evening and at sunrise, and the birds assembled, all with him oft-returning [to Allah].” (Sad, 38:18-19).

Personality & Attributes

The Birds are an archetype of **creation in harmony with divine praise**. They represent the principle that tasbih (glorification of God) is a universal phenomenon in which all creatures participate. They were “assembled” (mahshurah), implying an orderly and disciplined gathering for this act of worship.

Major Lessons & Morals

• All of creation worships and glorifies Allah, even if we do not understand their mode of praise.
• When a human being engages in the sincere remembrance of Allah, the creation around them can be made to join in this chorus.
• The miracles given to the prophets are a testament to their high rank and the power of their Creator.

Supporting References

The story of the mountains and birds praising with Dawud is a beautiful illustration of the interconnectedness of a righteous human and the natural world. His beautiful recitation of the Zabur (Psalms) was so powerful that Allah commanded the very mountains and birds to echo his glorification, creating a symphony of universal praise.

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Dawud (David) `عليه السلام`

Brief Biography / Background

Dawud (عليه السلام) was a righteous prophet and a just king of the Children of Israel. He was known for his wisdom, his beautiful recitation of the Zabur (Psalms), and the special miracles Allah bestowed upon him, including great physical strength and the ability to soften iron.

Role in the Surah

The story of Dawud is the first prophetic narrative in the Surah, presented as a model of a powerful servant who was also a man of deep repentance. He is described as a man of “strength” and as “oft-returning” (awwab). His story focuses on his trial in judgment, when two litigants climbed over the wall of his private chamber and presented their case. After making a hasty judgment, he realized his error and “sought forgiveness of his Lord and fell down bowing and repented.” (38:24). For his repentance, Allah forgave him and affirmed his high station as a “caliph upon the earth.”

Personality & Attributes

Dawud is the archetype of the **powerful but humble and repentant ruler**. He is characterized by his strength, his devotion, and his immediate turn to repentance upon realizing a mistake. He is a model of a leader who is not too proud to admit his error and seek forgiveness from his Lord.

Major Lessons & Morals

• Even the greatest of prophets can make errors in judgment, and the sign of their greatness is their immediate repentance.
• A leader and a judge must be careful to hear all sides of a story before passing judgment.
• The correct response to any mistake is to immediately seek forgiveness from Allah and to turn back to Him in submission.

Supporting References

The trial of Dawud is a profound lesson in humility. He was a mighty king and prophet, yet Allah tested him in his very area of strength—his judgment—to teach him and us a lesson. His immediate prostration and repentance is the model for every believer who slips and makes a mistake.

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The Devils (Shayatin) who worked for Sulayman

Brief Biography / Background

These were the Shayatin or Jinn who were made subservient to the command of Prophet Sulayman (Solomon) (عليه السلام). This was one of the unique and unprecedented miracles given to him as part of his vast kingdom. It included even the most rebellious among them.

Role in the Surah

They are mentioned as part of the powerful, supernatural workforce that Allah subjugated for Sulayman. Their roles were in difficult and skilled labor. “And [also] the devils [were subjected to him] – every builder and diver and others bound together in shackles.” (Sad, 38:37-38). They were a completely controlled and chained force, used for the construction and development of his kingdom.

Personality & Attributes

These Devils are an archetype of a **powerful and rebellious force brought into complete submission by divine will**. They represent the principle that all forces in the universe, even the most chaotic and malevolent, are ultimately under the absolute control of Allah and can be made to serve His righteous servants if He wills.

Major Lessons & Morals

• Allah’s power is absolute; He can subjugate any of His creation for the purpose He desires.
• The story of Sulayman’s control over the Jinn is a unique miracle and a sign of the immense power of his kingdom.
• This was a specific gift to Sulayman, a trial for him to rule with justice over all realms of creation.

Supporting References

This miracle is a testament to the prayer of Sulayman, mentioned later in the Surah, where he asks for a “kingdom that will not be befitting for anyone after me.” Part of the answer to that prayer was this unique and absolute authority over the forces of the Jinn, a power that no other human has ever been granted.

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Dhul-Kifl `عليه السلام`

Brief Biography / Background

Dhul-Kifl (عليه السلام) is a prophet mentioned in the Qur’an who is honored for his patience and righteousness. His exact identity has been a subject of scholarly discussion, but his Qur’anic persona is what is established: a chosen and outstandingly good servant of God.

Role in the Surah

Dhul-Kifl is mentioned in the honor roll of prophets, grouped with Isma’il and Al-Yasa’ as examples of the best of humanity. “And remember Ishmael, Elisha and Dhul-Kifl, and all are among the outstandingly good.” (Sad, 38:48). His role is to be an example of righteousness and to be counted among the elite group of prophets who are to be remembered and emulated.

Personality & Attributes

Dhul-Kifl is the archetype of the **chosen and righteous prophet**. His name itself, which can mean “Possessor of the Portion” or “Possessor of the Guarantee,” is often interpreted as referring to his guarantee to uphold certain acts of worship or his large portion of divine reward due to his piety.

Major Lessons & Morals

• The Qur’an honors and asks us to “remember” all the prophets, even those whose stories are not detailed.
• Being counted among the “Akhyar” (the outstandingly good) is one of the highest spiritual stations.
• A believer should learn from the entire procession of prophets and recognize them all as guides to the same truth.

Supporting References

While his story is not detailed in the Qur’an, his inclusion in this “honor roll” is sufficient to establish his high rank. He is grouped with other great prophets, signifying that he was a man of similar spiritual stature, chosen by Allah to guide his people.

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The Disbelievers (Al-Kafirun)

Brief Biography / Background

Al-Kafirun, the disbelievers, are those who reject the truth of Allah’s Oneness and the message of His prophets. In this Surah, they are specifically the arrogant chieftains of the Quraysh who were astonished and angered by the Prophet Muhammad’s ﷺ call to monotheism.

Role in the Surah

They are the primary audience being refuted in the Surah. Their state of being is described as one of **”pride and dissension.”** (38:2). They are the ones who find the call to One God a “curious thing” and who conspire to hold fast to their idols. They are the ones who will argue and dispute with each other in the Fire, and for whom there will be no welcome. The entire Surah, with its stories of powerful but submissive prophets, is a direct refutation of their arrogance.

Personality & Attributes

The Disbelievers are characterized by their **arrogance (‘izzah), their divisiveness (shiqaq), and their blind adherence to tradition**. They are intellectually dishonest, dismissing the Prophet’s message without any sound reason, based only on pride and elitism. Their ultimate fate is one of mutual blame and eternal torment.

Major Lessons & Morals

• Pride is the single greatest barrier to accepting the truth.
• The path of disbelief is a path of division and dissension, whereas the path of truth is one of unity.
• A believer should never adopt the characteristics of the disbelievers, especially their arrogance and their scorn for the message of God.

Supporting References

The Surah powerfully deconstructs their mindset. Their objection to the Prophet was not that he was wrong, but that he was not a “great man” from a powerful city. Their entire worldview was based on worldly metrics of power and status, which is why the Surah responds with the stories of the most powerful kings in prophetic history, Dawud and Sulayman, who were nonetheless humble slaves of God.

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The Exalted Assembly (Al-Mala’ al-A’la)

Brief Biography / Background

The Exalted Assembly refers to the highest echelons of the angelic realm. It is the gathering of the archangels in the presence of Allah, where the divine commands and decrees are discussed before being sent down to the lower heavens.

Role in the Surah

The Exalted Assembly is the setting for the cosmic dispute concerning the creation of Adam. The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ is told that he had no knowledge of this event until it was revealed to him. “I had no knowledge of the exalted assembly when they disputed.” (Sad, 38:69). This dispute was the conversation between Allah and Iblis after the command to prostrate to Adam was issued. The “dispute” was Iblis’s arrogant objection and his subsequent argument with his Lord.

Personality & Attributes

The Exalted Assembly is the archetype of the **highest celestial realm and the source of divine secrets**. It is a world beyond human perception. The revelation of its proceedings to the Prophet is a profound sign of his direct connection to the divine source of knowledge.

Major Lessons & Morals

• The Qur’an contains knowledge of the unseen world that no human being could possibly know on their own.
• This is a powerful proof of the divine origin of the revelation and the truth of the Prophet Muhammad’s ﷺ mission.
• The fundamental conflict between submission (the angels) and arrogance (Iblis) is a cosmic one that began in the highest heavens.

Supporting References

This verse is a cornerstone in the argument for the divine origin of the Qur’an. The Prophet, who was unlettered and had no knowledge of these detailed theological narratives, could only have received this information from the one who was present: the Lord of the Worlds Himself. It proves he is a “clear warner” receiving divine inspiration.

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Fir’awn (Pharaoh), The Owner of Stakes

Brief Biography / Background

Fir’awn, Pharaoh, the king of ancient Egypt, is the ultimate Qur’anic archetype of the arrogant and tyrannical ruler. He is mentioned in this Surah with the unique title “Dhu al-Awtad,” the Owner of the Stakes.

Role in the Surah

Pharaoh is mentioned in the list of the great “confederates” (al-ahzab) of the past who denied their messengers and were subsequently destroyed. “The people of Noah denied before them, and ‘Aad and Pharaoh, the owner of stakes…” (Sad, 38:12). His role is to be a prime example of a mighty worldly power that was utterly annihilated for his arrogance and disbelief.

Personality & Attributes

Pharaoh is the embodiment of **extreme arrogance and tyranny**. The title “Owner of the Stakes” is understood to refer to his immense power and the stability of his kingdom, or more grimly, to his practice of torturing people by staking them to the ground. In either case, it is a title signifying his formidable worldly might.

Major Lessons & Morals

• No amount of military might or perceived stability can protect a tyrant from the justice of Allah.
• The story of Pharaoh is a timeless lesson that the end of all oppressors is one of humiliation and failure.
• A believer should never be intimidated by the “stakes” of a worldly power, but should place their trust in the Lord who destroyed Pharaoh.

Supporting References

His inclusion in this list is a direct message to the Quraysh of Makkah. It tells them that their power and their status as the custodians of the Ka’bah are nothing compared to the power of the great civilizations like Pharaoh’s, all of which were destroyed for making the same mistake of rejecting their messenger.

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The Hur (Pure Companions in Paradise)

Brief Biography / Background

The Hur are the pure, chaste, and beautiful companions who will be joined with the righteous believers in Paradise. They are a part of the reward and the honor that Allah has prepared for the Pious (Al-Muttaqin).

Role in the Surah

They are mentioned as part of the blissful description of the rewards in the Gardens of Eden. The Pious will be reclining, calling for abundant fruit and drink. “And with them will be women of limited glances, of equal age.” (Sad, 38:52).

Personality & Attributes

The Hur are the archetype of **purity, beauty, and chaste companionship**. They are characterized by their modesty (“limited glances,” meaning they look only to their husbands) and their perfect nature (“of equal age,” implying a state of youthful perfection). They are a key component of the joy and honor of Paradise.

Major Lessons & Morals

• The rewards of Paradise are both spiritual and physical, and they are beyond what the human mind can imagine.
• Chastity and modesty are qualities that are honored and rewarded in the Hereafter.
• The description of the delights of Paradise serves as a powerful motivation for the believer to strive for righteousness in this life.

Supporting References

The description of the companions in Paradise is a recurring theme in the Qur’an, meant to appeal to the human desire for loving and pure companionship. It is part of the “good return” promised to the Muttaqin, a reward for their struggle to maintain purity and modesty in the worldly life.

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Iblis

Brief Biography / Background

Iblis is the proper name of the Jinn who, through his pride, became the primary adversary of humanity. His story of rebellion against Allah’s command to prostrate to Adam is a foundational lesson in the dangers of arrogance and racism.

Role in the Surah

The story of Iblis is recounted in detail as the ultimate example of arrogant disobedience. When Allah commanded the angels to prostrate to Adam, Iblis was the only one to refuse. When asked why, he revealed his racist and arrogant reasoning: “He said, ‘I am better than him. You created me from fire and created him from clay.'” (Sad, 38:76). For this act of pride, he was cursed and cast out of Paradise. He then asked for respite until the Day of Judgment and vowed to mislead all of humanity.

Personality & Attributes

Iblis is the ultimate archetype of **arrogance (kibr), jealousy, racism, and defiant rebellion**. He is the first to use flawed analogical reasoning to contradict a clear divine command. He is the original sinner whose sin was not one of desire, but of pure, unadulterated pride.

Major Lessons & Morals

• Arrogance is the root of all disobedience and the primary cause of damnation.
• Judging others based on their physical origins or race is a satanic trait.
• The story of Iblis is a timeless warning of how a single act of prideful rebellion can undo ages of worship and lead to an eternal curse.

Supporting References

His story serves as a powerful mirror to the arrogance of the Quraysh. Their rejection of the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ was based on a similar elitist pride; they could not accept a message from someone they considered their equal. The Surah shows them that they are following in the footsteps of the first being to ever reject God’s choice out of arrogance: Iblis himself.

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Ibrahim `عليه السلام`

Brief Biography / Background

Ibrahim (عليه السلام), the Friend of Allah, is one of the five greatest messengers of God. He is a central figure in Islam, celebrated for his pure monotheism and his complete submission to Allah’s will. He is the patriarch of the Abrahamic faiths.

Role in the Surah

Ibrahim is mentioned in the honor roll of prophets whom the believers are commanded to “remember.” He is grouped with his son Ishaq and his grandson Ya’qub. They are described as “those of strength and vision.” (38:45). Their great, exclusive quality was their constant “remembrance of the home [of the Hereafter],” which made them among the “chosen and outstandingly good.”

Personality & Attributes

Ibrahim is the archetype of the **prophet of strength and vision**. He possessed the strength of resolve to stand against his entire nation and the spiritual vision to remain focused on the Hereafter. He is a model of a life lived for the sake of the eternal abode.

Major Lessons & Morals

• A believer should strive to have both strength in their practice of the religion and deep spiritual insight.
• Constant remembrance of the Hereafter is the key to being chosen and purified by Allah.
• The stories of these prophets are presented so that we may learn from and emulate their elite qualities.

Supporting References

By grouping Ibrahim with his son and grandson, the Surah highlights the importance of a righteous legacy. The blessing of prophethood and the quality of being “chosen” was passed down through his family, a sign of the great honor Allah bestowed upon him for his unparalleled submission.

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The Inhabitants of the Fire

Brief Biography / Background

The Inhabitants of the Fire are those who, due to their disbelief, arrogance, and unrepented sins, are destined for the abode of punishment in the Hereafter. They are the “transgressors” (Taghin) who have the “worst return.”

Role in the Surah

Their state is described in detail, especially their bitter infighting. They are the ones who will be given boiling water and foul liquids to drink. The Surah narrates the dialogue between the leaders and the followers in the Fire: “They will say, ‘Rather, you – no welcome for you! You brought this upon us, and wretched is the settlement.'” (38:60). They will curse each other and ask Allah to double the punishment of those who led them astray.

Personality & Attributes

This group represents the archetype of the **eternally regretful and disputing losers**. They are characterized by their state of mutual blame and enmity. The alliances of disbelief they had in this world have turned into a source of bitter conflict in the next. They are in a state of perpetual, hopeless argument.

Major Lessons & Morals

• The punishment of Hell is not just physical, but also profoundly psychological, involving endless and futile disputes.
• All worldly alliances based on falsehood will dissolve into hatred and recrimination in the Hereafter.
• A believer should seek refuge from this terrible fate and from the company that leads to it.

Supporting References

A particularly striking part of their dialogue is their arrogant search for the believers they used to mock in the world: “And they will say, ‘Why do we not see men whom we used to count among the wicked? Is it that we took them in ridicule, or has [our] vision turned away from them?'” (38:62-63). Their arrogance persists even in the Fire, until the horrifying reality of their own state and the believers’ salvation becomes undeniable.

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Isma’il `عليه السلام`

Brief Biography / Background

Isma’il (عليه السلام) was the firstborn son of Prophet Ibrahim (عليه السلام) and a noble prophet of Allah. He is renowned for his patience, especially during the great trial of the sacrifice, and is the ancestor of the Arabs and of the final Prophet, Muhammad ﷺ.

Role in the Surah

Isma’il is mentioned in the honor roll of prophets, grouped with Al-Yasa’ and Dhul-Kifl as examples of the “outstandingly good” (al-akhyar). “And remember Ishmael, Elisha and Dhul-Kifl, and all are among the outstandingly good.” (Sad, 38:48). His role is to be an example of righteousness and to be counted among the elite group of prophets who are to be remembered and emulated.

Personality & Attributes

Isma’il is the archetype of the **patient and righteous prophet**. Though his specific story of the sacrifice is detailed in the preceding Surah (As-Saffat), his inclusion here serves as a reminder of his status as one of the best of creation, a man who passed his great test with perfect submission.

Major Lessons & Morals

• The Qur’an honors and asks us to “remember” all the prophets, as their lives are a source of guidance.
• Being counted among the “Akhyar” (the outstandingly good) is one of the highest spiritual stations.
• A believer should learn from the entire procession of prophets and recognize them all as guides to the same truth.

Supporting References

The command to “remember” these prophets is not just a call to recall their names, but to reflect on their stories and the virtues they embodied. Isma’il’s name is synonymous with patience and submission, and remembering him is a reminder of the importance of these core Islamic virtues.

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Ishaq `عليه السلام`

Brief Biography / Background

Ishaq (عليه السلام) was the second prophetic son of Ibrahim (عليه السلام), born miraculously to his wife Sarah in their old age. He is a righteous prophet and the ancestor of the Children of Israel and their many prophets.

Role in the Surah

Ishaq is mentioned in the honor roll of prophets, grouped with his father Ibrahim and his son Ya’qub. They are collectively described as “those of strength and vision” and as the “chosen and outstandingly good.” Their defining quality was their constant “remembrance of the home [of the Hereafter].”

Personality & Attributes

Ishaq is the archetype of the **righteous, prophetic descendant**. He is part of the blessed lineage that was granted prophethood as a reward for Ibrahim’s faith. He is a model of one who possessed both strength in worship and spiritual insight.

Major Lessons & Morals

• A righteous family that is focused on the Hereafter is a great blessing from Allah.
• The legacy of monotheism was preserved and passed down through the blessed family of Ibrahim.
• A believer should strive to emulate the qualities of these great prophets: strength, vision, and a constant focus on the afterlife.

Supporting References

By grouping the three generations together—Ibrahim, Ishaq, and Ya’qub—the Surah highlights the importance of a righteous legacy and the passing down of faith and wisdom from father to son. It presents a model of a family entirely dedicated to the cause of Allah.

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Jasad (The Body on Sulayman’s Throne)

Brief Biography / Background

This is a mysterious and symbolic body (jasad) that Allah placed on the throne of Prophet Sulayman (Solomon) (عليه السلام). It was a profound and startling event that served as a major test and a wake-up call for the great prophet-king, who had perhaps become momentarily distracted by his vast kingdom.

Role in the Surah

The Body’s role is to be the catalyst for Sulayman’s repentance and renewed devotion. The Surah states, “And We did certainly try Solomon and placed upon his throne a body; then he returned.” (Sad, 38:34). The appearance of this body on his throne, the very symbol of his power and authority, was a shocking sign that caused him to immediately “return” (anaba) to Allah in repentance. This was immediately followed by his famous prayer for a kingdom like no other, a prayer born from this moment of profound humility and renewed reliance on God.

Personality & Attributes

The Jasad is the archetype of a **divine trial (fitnah) and a stark reminder of mortality and vulnerability**. It is a symbol that no matter how great a king’s power, his authority is fragile and ultimately dependent on Allah. It represents the interruption of worldly pride with a reminder of physical or spiritual weakness.

Major Lessons & Morals

• Even the greatest of prophets are tested by Allah to keep them humble and devoted.
• A sign of a righteous servant is that when a trial or a divine reminder comes to them, they immediately “return” to Allah in repentance.
• Worldly power and authority are transient, and a believer should never feel completely secure in them.

Supporting References

Tafsir literature offers various interpretations of what this “body” was—some suggest it was a jinn that briefly took his form, a sick child, or even Sulayman himself in a state of severe illness that rendered him powerless. Regardless of the specific form, the unified lesson is that it was a profound trial that stripped away Sulayman’s sense of invulnerability, causing him to turn to Allah with a renewed sense of absolute dependence.

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The Kingdom of Dawud and Sulayman

Brief Biography / Background

The Kingdom (Mulk) of Dawud and Sulayman was the great, divinely-supported monarchy of the Children of Israel. It was a kingdom that uniquely combined worldly power with prophetic guidance, and was strengthened with spectacular miracles.

Role in the Surah

The Kingdom is presented as a gift and a test from Allah. Dawud’s kingdom was “strengthened,” and he was given wisdom. Sulayman inherited this kingdom and was given unprecedented control over the wind and the devils. His prayer after his trial is specifically for a unique kingdom: “He said, ‘My Lord, forgive me and grant me a kingdom such as will not belong to anyone after me. Indeed, You are the Bestower.'” (38:35). The kingdom is thus a central theme of their stories.

Personality & Attributes

The Kingdom is the archetype of **divinely-granted power and worldly authority as a trial**. It is a symbol that all dominion is from Allah. In the hands of Dawud and Sulayman, it was a tool for justice and the establishment of God’s word. It is a testament to the fact that worldly and spiritual authority can be combined righteously.

Major Lessons & Morals

• All dominion and authority are a gift from Allah, and He can grant it to whomever He wills.
• Power is a great test; the successful are those who, like Dawud and Sulayman, remain humble, repentant, and “oft-returning” servants despite their great status.
• It is permissible to pray for worldly blessings, as long as this is done with humility and the recognition that Allah is the ultimate Bestower.

Supporting References

The stories of their kingdoms are a direct refutation of the Quraysh’s elitist worldview. The Quraysh thought prophethood should be tied to worldly power and status. The Surah responds by presenting the stories of the most powerful prophet-kings in history, showing that their greatness was not in their kingdom itself, but in their absolute servitude to Allah despite their kingdom.

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The Mountains (Al-Jibal)

Brief Biography / Background

The Mountains (Al-Jibal) are majestic features of the Earth’s landscape. In the Qur’an, they are not merely inanimate objects but are presented as creations that are in a state of submission and worship to their Lord.

Role in the Surah

The Mountains were miraculously commanded by Allah to join Prophet Dawud (David) `عليه السلام` in his glorification of God. This was a special honor and a sign of Dawud’s high station. “Indeed, We subjected the mountains [to praise] with him, exalting [Us] in the evening and at sunrise.” (Sad, 38:18).

Personality & Attributes

The Mountains are an archetype of **submissive creation and resonant praise**. They represent the principle that tasbih (glorification of God) is a universal phenomenon in which all creatures participate. They are the mighty, solid chorus to Dawud’s melodious praise.

Major Lessons & Morals

• All of creation worships and glorifies Allah, even if we do not understand their mode of praise.
• When a human being engages in the sincere remembrance of Allah, the creation around them can be made to join in this chorus.

* The miracles of Allah are not limited by our understanding of the laws of nature.

Supporting References

This miracle is a beautiful illustration of the harmony between the righteous human being and the cosmos. When a servant like Dawud devoted himself to the praise of his Lord with a beautiful voice, his Lord honored him by making the most solid and majestic parts of the landscape join him in his song.

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The People of Lut

Brief Biography / Background

The People of Lut were the inhabitants of the city of Sodom, to whom Prophet Lut (عليه السلام) was sent. They are infamous in the Qur’an for their widespread social corruption and their practice of sexual perversion.

Role in the Surah

The people of Lut are listed among the past “confederates” that denied their messengers and were subsequently destroyed. They are grouped with the people of Nuh and ‘Ad as a clear historical warning. “Each of them denied the messengers, so My penalty was justified.” (Sad, 38:14).

Personality & Attributes

They are an archetype of a **morally depraved and corrupt society**. Their defining characteristic was their defiant transgression against the natural and moral laws of God, and their ultimate destruction is a sign of the consequences of such behavior.

Major Lessons & Morals

• The story of the people of Lut is a timeless warning against the consequences of unrepentant social and moral corruption.
• The rejection of a prophet is a crime that brings about a just penalty from God.
• Their destruction is a proof of Allah’s justice and His power to annihilate those who persist in defiant wrongdoing.

Supporting References

By including them in this list, the Surah shows that divine retribution comes for various forms of rebellion. Whether it is the idolatry of Nuh’s people, the tyranny of Pharaoh, or the moral depravity of Lut’s people, the root cause is always the denial of the messengers and the transgression of divine law.

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The People of Nuh, ‘Ad, and Thamud

Brief Biography / Background

This is a collective archetype representing the great, powerful civilizations of the past that were destroyed for their disbelief. Nuh’s people were destroyed by the Flood, ‘Ad by a furious wind, and Thamud by a mighty Blast.

Role in the Surah

They are presented as the primary historical evidence of the consequences of denying the prophets. They are the first three groups mentioned in the list of the “confederates” who were destroyed. “The people of Noah denied before them, and ‘Aad… and Thamud…” (Sad, 38:12-13). Their stories are cited to prove to the Quraysh that they are not the first powerful nation to reject a messenger, and that power is no defense against the punishment of God.

Personality & Attributes

This collective represents the archetype of the **destroyed civilization and the unheeded lesson**. Their stories are a silent testimony to their transient power and their ultimate folly. They are the “former peoples” whose way the plotters of evil await.

Major Lessons & Morals

• The ruins of past civilizations and their stories are powerful moral lessons for those who have hearts to understand.
• True blindness is not the blindness of the eyes, but the blindness of the heart that is unable to learn from the clear lessons of history.
• No amount of material power can save a nation that is unjust and denies the truth.

Supporting References

The Surah’s method of simply listing these powerful names one after another is a powerful rhetorical device. Each name would have evoked a well-known story of might and subsequent, total annihilation in the minds of its Arab audience, creating a cumulative and overwhelming historical argument.

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Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ)

Brief Biography / Background

Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) is the final messenger of Allah, to whom the Qur’an was revealed. Surah Sad was revealed to him in Makkah to provide him with strength and to refute the specific arguments of the arrogant chieftains of the Quraysh.

Role in the Surah

He is the one being addressed throughout the Surah. He is commanded to be patient with the words of the disbelievers: “Be patient over what they say and remember Our servant, David…” (38:17). The stories of the powerful but tested prophets are narrated to him as a source of solace and a model for his own mission. His role is to be a “warner,” and the Qur’an is the “blessed reminder” he brings. He is the one who has no knowledge of the “Exalted Assembly” except through this divine revelation.

Personality & Attributes

As the addressee of the Surah, the Prophet ﷺ is the archetype of the **patient and divinely-consoled messenger**. He is the one who must endure the mockery and arrogance of his people, armed with the stories of his great predecessors and the certainty of the divine message. He is the model of patient perseverance.

Major Lessons & Morals

• The lives of the past prophets are the primary source of strength and solace for a believer who is facing hardship.
• A caller to Allah must be patient with the hurtful words of the ignorant.
• The authenticity of the Prophet’s mission is proven by the fact that he is conveying knowledge (like the dispute in the Exalted Assembly) that he could have no other way of knowing.

Supporting References

The Surah opens with the arrogance of the Quraysh and then immediately commands the Prophet to “remember Our servant, David.” This direct command sets the structure for the rest of the Surah. The “remembrance” of the stories of these prophets is the divine prescription and cure for the pain caused by the disbelievers’ rejection.

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The Pure-Blooded Horses (As-Safinat al-Jiyad)

Brief Biography / Background

As-Safinat al-Jiyad are the pure-blooded, noble, and swift horses that were presented to Prophet Sulayman (Solomon) `عليه السلام` one afternoon. They were a symbol of worldly beauty, power, and wealth.

Role in the Surah

The horses are the object of a great test for Sulayman. He became so engrossed in their beauty and strength that they distracted him from the remembrance of his Lord until after the sun had set. “And to David We gave Solomon. An excellent servant, indeed he was oft-returning. [Mention] when there were displayed before him in the afternoon the poised, swift horses. And he said, ‘Indeed, I gave preference to the love of good [things] over the remembrance of my Lord until it disappeared behind the veil.'” (38:30-32).

Personality & Attributes

The horses are the archetype of a **beautiful worldly distraction and a test of faith (fitnah)**. They represent any beloved worldly possession or hobby that has the potential to divert a person’s attention from their primary duty of worshipping Allah.

Major Lessons & Morals

• Even permissible and beautiful worldly things can become a dangerous trial if they cause a person to forget the remembrance of their Lord.
• A believer must be constantly vigilant about their attachments to this world and ensure that their love for them never takes precedence over their love for Allah.
• The story is a powerful lesson in prioritizing our spiritual duties over our worldly hobbies and possessions.

Supporting References

Sulayman’s reaction upon realizing his lapse is a subject of scholarly interpretation. His statement, “Return them to me,” followed by his striking their legs and necks, is seen by many as a powerful act of repentance. To ensure that this particular distraction would never again come between him and his Lord, he sacrificed the very objects of his affection for the sake of Allah. It was a testament to his status as “oft-returning.”

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The Spring of Water (for Ayyub)

Brief Biography / Background

This was a spring of water that miraculously gushed forth from the ground at the command of Allah for the Prophet Ayyub (Job) `عليه السلام`. It was the direct means of his healing and the end of his long and patient trial.

Role in the Surah

The Spring is the agent of divine mercy and healing. After Ayyub’s patient and beautiful call to his Lord, Allah responded with a simple and direct command and a miraculous cure. “Strike [the ground] with your foot; this is a [spring for] a cool bath and drink.” (Sad, 38:42).

Personality & Attributes

The Spring is the archetype of a **divine cure and a manifest mercy**. It represents the principle that after a period of great trial and patience, Allah’s relief is near and can come from the most unexpected of sources (the very ground beneath one’s feet). It was both a cool bath (mughtasalun barid) to heal his external ailments and a pure drink (sharab) to heal him internally.

Major Lessons & Morals

• After hardship comes ease. The relief of Allah is a guaranteed outcome for those who are patient.
• Allah can create a cure and a source of relief from the most simple and direct of means.
• The story is a source of hope for anyone who is suffering from a physical or spiritual ailment, teaching them to be patient and to turn to Allah, for He is the ultimate Healer.

Supporting References

The story of Ayyub’s healing through this blessed spring is a powerful lesson in the interconnectedness of physical and spiritual well-being. His healing was a direct response to his spiritual state of patient supplication. The spring was a physical manifestation of the inner purity and patience that he had maintained throughout his long illness.

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Sulayman (Solomon) `عليه السلام`

Brief Biography / Background

Sulayman (عليه السلام) was the son of Prophet Dawud (عليه السلام) and was a wise prophet and a mighty king. Allah bestowed upon him an unprecedented kingdom, including unique miracles such as control over the wind and the jinn.

Role in the Surah

The story of Sulayman is presented as a lesson in the trial of power and wealth. He is praised as an “excellent servant” and “oft-returning” (awwab). His story details two great tests. First, the test of the beautiful horses that distracted him from his worship, from which he repented. Second, the profound trial of the “body” (jasad) placed on his throne, which caused him to turn back to Allah and make his famous prayer: “My Lord, forgive me and grant me a kingdom such as will not belong to anyone after me. Indeed, You are the Bestower.” (38:35). Allah then granted his prayer, subjugating the wind and the devils for him.

Personality & Attributes

Sulayman is the archetype of the **powerful, tested, and repentant king**. He is characterized by his immense power but also by his human fallibility and his immediate return to Allah upon realizing any lapse. He is a model of one who, despite having every worldly thing, recognizes that his true need is for the forgiveness and favor of his Lord.

Major Lessons & Morals

• Great power and wealth are a great test, and even the best of servants can be momentarily distracted by them.
• The sign of a true believer is not that they never make mistakes, but that they repent immediately and sincerely when they do.
• It is permissible to ask Allah for worldly blessings, as long as this is done with humility and the recognition that He is the ultimate Bestower.

Supporting References

His story is a powerful continuation of his father Dawud’s. Both were mighty kings who were tested in their rule. Both are praised as being “awwab” (oft-returning). Their combined stories teach a profound lesson: the greater the power, the greater the need for constant repentance and a humble connection with Allah.

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The Two Litigants

Brief Biography / Background

The Two Litigants were two individuals (understood to be angels in human form) who came to Prophet Dawud (David) `عليه السلام` with a dispute. They did not enter through the door but climbed over the wall of his private prayer chamber, startling him.

Role in the Surah

Their role is to be the instrument of a divine test for Dawud in his capacity as a judge. They present a case to him: “Indeed this, my brother, has ninety-nine ewes, and I have one ewe; so he said, ‘Entrust it to me,’ and he overpowered me in speech.” (Sad, 38:23). Dawud immediately passes judgment without hearing from the other party, siding with the one who had the single ewe. Upon their departure, he realizes that this was a test from Allah to teach him a lesson in perfect justice.

Personality & Attributes

The Two Litigants are the archetype of the **divine test and the seeker of justice**. They are characterized by their unusual method of entry (which was part of the test) and their clear presentation of a case that was designed to elicit an immediate emotional response. They were the catalysts for Dawud’s repentance.

Major Lessons & Morals

• A judge must always remain impartial and must hear from both sides of a dispute before passing judgment, no matter how clear-cut the case may seem.
• Even the wisest and most just of people can make mistakes, and they must be humble enough to recognize and repent from them.
• The story is a powerful lesson in the importance of due process and complete fairness in all legal matters.

Supporting References

The immediate realization of Dawud, “and David became certain that We had tried him,” shows his profound spiritual insight. He did not dismiss the strange event but immediately understood its deeper, divine purpose. His prostration and repentance were instantaneous, a sign of his status as “awwab” (oft-returning).

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The Wind (Ar-Rih)

Brief Biography / Background

Ar-Rih, the Wind, is a powerful natural force. The Qur’an describes it as a sign of Allah and one of His “soldiers,” which He can make subservient to His righteous servants as a miracle.

Role in the Surah

The Wind is mentioned as one of the great and unique miracles that was made subservient to the command of Prophet Sulayman (Solomon) `عليه السلام`. This was granted to him after his prayer for a unique kingdom. “So We subjected to him the wind, blowing gently by his command wherever he directed.” (Sad, 38:36).

Personality & Attributes

The Wind is an archetype of a **mighty, untamable force of nature brought into perfect, gentle submission by divine will**. It is described as blowing “gently” (rukha’an), indicating a smooth and pleasant journey, yet it moved wherever he directed, implying great speed and purpose. It was a powerful yet perfectly controlled servant.

Major Lessons & Morals

• The story of the subjected wind is a sign of the immense honor and power that Allah bestowed upon Sulayman.
• It demonstrates that all of creation, even the most powerful and seemingly chaotic forces, are soldiers in the army of Allah.

* A believer should be in awe of the power of the Creator who can tame the wind and make it a servant to a prophet.

Supporting References

This miracle was a direct answer to his prayer for a kingdom “that will not be befitting for anyone after me.” This complete mastery over the wind was a unique gift to him, a sign of his special station and a tool for him to administer his vast, divinely-supported kingdom.

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Ya’qub (Jacob) `عليه السلام`

Brief Biography / Background

Ya’qub (عليه السلام), also known as Israel, was the son of Prophet Ishaq and the grandson of Prophet Ibrahim. He was a noble prophet himself and the father of the twelve sons who became the progenitors of the Twelve Tribes of Israel.

Role in the Surah

Ya’qub is mentioned in the honor roll of prophets, grouped with his father Ishaq and his grandfather Ibrahim. They are collectively described as “those of strength and vision” and as the “chosen and outstandingly good.” Their defining quality was their constant “remembrance of the home [of the Hereafter].”

Personality & Attributes

Ya’qub is the archetype of the **righteous, prophetic heir who continues a blessed legacy**. He is a model of one who possessed both strength in worship and spiritual insight. He is part of the blessed lineage that was granted prophethood as a reward for Ibrahim’s faith.

Major Lessons & Morals

• A righteous family that is focused on the Hereafter is a great blessing from Allah.
• The legacy of monotheism was preserved and passed down through the blessed family of Ibrahim.
• A believer should strive to emulate the qualities of these great prophets: strength, vision, and a constant focus on the afterlife.

Supporting References

By grouping the three generations together—Ibrahim, Ishaq, and Ya’qub—the Surah highlights the importance of a righteous legacy and the passing down of faith and wisdom from father to son. It presents a model of a family entirely dedicated to the cause of Allah, a powerful lesson for all believers.

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Al-Yasa’ (Elisha) `عليه السلام`

Brief Biography / Background

Al-Yasa’ (عليه السلام), or Elisha, was a prophet of the Children of Israel who came after Prophet Ilyas (Elijah). He was chosen by Allah to continue the mission of calling the Israelites back to the pure worship of the One God.

Role in the Surah

Al-Yasa’ is mentioned in the honor roll of prophets, grouped with Isma’il and Dhul-Kifl as examples of the “outstandingly good” (al-akhyar). “And remember Ishmael, Elisha and Dhul-Kifl, and all are among the outstandingly good.” (Sad, 38:48). His role is to be an example of righteousness and to be counted among the elite group of prophets who are to be remembered and emulated.

Personality & Attributes

Al-Yasa’ is the archetype of the **chosen and righteous prophet**. Though his story is not detailed in the Qur’an, his inclusion in this list of “outstandingly good” prophets is sufficient to establish his high rank and noble character.

Major Lessons & Morals

• The Qur’an honors all the prophets of God, and believers are required to believe in all of them.
• Being counted among the “Akhyar” (the outstandingly good) is one of the highest spiritual stations.
• A believer should learn from the entire procession of prophets and recognize them all as guides to the same truth.

Supporting References

The command to “remember” these prophets is not just a call to recall their names, but to reflect on their lives and the virtues they embodied. Their inclusion in the Qur’an is a preservation of their honorable memory and a source of inspiration for the believers of the final nation.