Table Of Contents

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

This Character Compendium offers a definitive resource on the vast array of characters, figures, and archetypes within Surah As-Saffat, the 37th chapter of the Holy Qur’an. A powerful Makkan Surah, its name, “Those Who Range Themselves in Ranks,” is derived from its majestic opening oath by the angels, establishing a tone of divine order and authority. The Surah serves as a powerful affirmation of the absolute Oneness of God and the reality of the Hereafter. It masterfully refutes the claims of the polytheists and provides solace to the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ by presenting a grand procession of his noble predecessors, including Nuh, Ibrahim, Musa, Harun, Ilyas, Lut, and Yunus. Each character card delves into their specific portrayal within this Surah, extracting the timeless lessons on faith, submission, the great trial of sacrifice, and the ultimate, guaranteed victory of the “Soldiers of Allah.”

---

Al-Kafirun (The Disbelievers)

Brief Biography / Background

Al-Kafirun, the disbelievers, are those who reject the clear message of Allah’s Oneness and deny the prophethood of His messengers. In the context of this Surah, they are primarily the arrogant polytheists of Makkah who mocked the concept of Resurrection and worshipped idols.

Role in the Surah

The disbelievers are the primary audience for the Surah’s warnings and refutations. They are the ones who ask with scorn, “Is our God one? Indeed, this is a curious thing.” (37:5, paraphrased). They question the Prophet’s message and deny the Last Day, saying, “When we have died and become dust and bones, are we indeed to be recompensed?” (37:16). The Surah describes their terrible fate in the Hereafter, where they will be dragged into Hellfire and will engage in bitter arguments, blaming one another for their misguidance.

Personality & Attributes

The Disbelievers are characterized by their **arrogance, mockery, and spiritual blindness**. They are astonished by the simple truth of monotheism and stubbornly cling to the traditions of their forefathers. In the Hereafter, their arrogance turns to despair, and their worldly alliances dissolve into mutual recrimination.

Major Lessons & Morals

• The simple, rational truth of God’s Oneness can seem “curious” or strange to a heart that is steeped in the complexities of polytheism.
• Denial of the Resurrection is a cornerstone of disbelief.
• On the Day of Judgment, the alliances of the disbelievers will fall apart, and they will try in vain to shift the blame onto each other.

Supporting References

The entire structure of the Surah, from the opening oath by the angels to the stories of the prophets, serves as a comprehensive refutation of the disbelievers’ worldview. It establishes the truth of monotheism and the certainty of the judgment they deny.

---

Al-Mukhlasin (The Chosen/Sincere Servants)

Brief Biography / Background

Al-Mukhlasin are the sincere and chosen servants of Allah. The term denotes those whom Allah has purified and chosen for His special mercy due to their pure and exclusive devotion to Him. They are protected from the traps of Shaytan and are the models of righteousness.

Role in the Surah

This title is used as a recurring refrain of honor for the prophets and their true followers. After recounting the stories of Nuh, Ibrahim, Musa, Harun, Ilyas, and Lut, the Surah repeatedly states that the “Chosen Servants of Allah” were saved from the calamities that befell their people. For example, after the story of Lut: “So We saved him and his family, all, except an old woman among those who remained behind… except the chosen servants of Allah.” (37:133-134, 160). They are also the ones who will enjoy the specific, detailed blessings of Paradise, free from the punishments of Hell.

Personality & Attributes

The Chosen Servants are the archetype of the **pure, saved, and honored believer**. They are characterized by their sincerity (ikhlas) and their unwavering monotheism. They are the ones who are exempted from the general punishment that befalls the wicked.

Major Lessons & Morals

• Sincerity in faith is the key to being chosen and protected by Allah.
• While divine punishment may be general, Allah’s mercy is specific, and He always makes an exception for His sincere servants.
• A believer should aspire to the station of the Mukhlasin through the purification of their faith and intentions.

Supporting References

The repetition of this title throughout the prophetic narratives emphasizes a universal divine law: sincere devotion is the primary cause of salvation. In every story of destruction, the “Mukhlasin” are the ones who are rescued, proving that sincerity is the ultimate shield.

---

Al-Muhsinin (The Good-Doers)

Brief Biography / Background

Al-Muhsinin, the Good-Doers, are those who practice *Ihsan*. Ihsan is the highest level of faith, meaning to do good with excellence, to worship Allah as if you see Him, and to act with beauty and perfection in all one’s affairs. It is the state of comprehensive excellence.

Role in the Surah

The status of being a “Muhsin” is presented as the reason for the great rewards and honors bestowed upon the prophets. After recounting the perfect submission of Ibrahim and his son, Allah says, “Indeed, this was the clear trial. And We ransomed him with a great sacrifice. And We left for him [favorable mention] among later generations… Indeed, We thus reward the good-doers (al-muhsinin).” (37:106-110). This refrain is repeated for Musa and Harun, and for Ilyas.

Personality & Attributes

The Good-Doers are the archetype of the **believer who achieves excellence in faith and action**. They are characterized by their beautiful patience, their complete submission, and their perfect conduct. Their excellence in servitude is the direct cause of their excellent reward from Allah.

Major Lessons & Morals

• Allah rewards good deeds with even greater good. Excellence is met with excellence.
• The path to being counted among the Muhsinin is to follow the example of the prophets in their submission and perseverance.
• A believer should not be content with the minimum, but should strive for Ihsan in all aspects of their life, from their prayers to their personal conduct.

Supporting References

The recurring statement, “Indeed, We thus reward the good-doers,” establishes a clear and hopeful divine law. It tells the reader that the special honors given to the prophets—such as being remembered favorably by later generations and being greeted with “Peace”—are not exclusive to them, but are part of a system of reward that is accessible to any servant who strives to achieve the station of Ihsan.

---

Allah (Rabb al-‘Izzah)

Brief Biography / Background

Allah is the proper name for the One, True God, the sole Creator, Sustainer, and Sovereign of all existence. In this Surah, He is presented as the One, True God in contrast to the idols, the Lord of the angels, the Commander of the prophets, and the ultimate Victor over all forces of disbelief.

Role in the Surah

Allah is the ultimate protagonist and authority in the Surah. He is the one by whose angelic servants the opening oath is sworn. He is the one whose Oneness is declared. He is the Lord who engages in dialogue with His prophets, commanding Nuh, testing Ibrahim, and saving Yunus. He is the one who refutes the blasphemous claims of the polytheists that He has daughters. The Surah concludes with a majestic glorification of Him by the title Rabb al-‘Izzah (The Lord of Honor/Might), exalting Him above all the false descriptions attributed to Him by the disbelievers.

Personality & Attributes

This Surah magnificently illustrates Allah’s attributes:

• Al-Wahid (The One): “Indeed, your God is One.” (37:4).
• Rabb al-‘Izzah (The Lord of Honor/Might): He is perfectly exalted above all falsehood.
• Al-Khallaq (The Creator): He is the “best of creators,” as questioned by Ilyas.
• Al-Mujib (The Responder): He responds to the calls of His prophets.

Major Lessons & Morals

• A believer must have a firm and uncompromising belief in the absolute Oneness of God.
• One must exalt Allah above all the false and imperfect descriptions that people may attribute to Him.
• The ultimate victory and support are for the Messengers, and all praise is due to Allah, the Lord of the Worlds.

Supporting References

The final three verses of the Surah (37:180-182) are a powerful and comprehensive conclusion, often recited by Muslims. They contain three core principles: 1) Declaring God’s transcendence above all falsehood (Subhan). 2) Sending greetings of peace upon all the Messengers (Salam). 3) Affirming that all praise is due to the Lord of the Worlds (Alhamdulillah). It is the perfect summary of the entire prophetic message.

---

The Angels who range themselves in Ranks (As-Saffat)

Brief Biography / Background

As-Saffat, Those Who Range Themselves in Ranks, is the name of the Surah and the first description in a divine oath sworn by the angels. It refers to the angels who stand in perfectly ordered and disciplined ranks in the presence of their Lord, ready to carry out His command.

Role in the Surah

The Surah opens with a powerful oath by this group of angels: “By those who range themselves in ranks…” (As-Saffat, 37:1). Their role is to establish a tone of divine order, discipline, and power from the very first verse. Their perfect alignment in worship and servitude stands in stark contrast to the chaotic and divided beliefs of the polytheists. The angels themselves later declare this as their state: “And indeed, we are those who range themselves in rows, and indeed, we are those who exalt Allah.” (37:165-166).

Personality & Attributes

This group is the archetype of **perfect discipline, unity, and readiness**. They are characterized by their perfect order and their collective submission to the will of Allah. They are the model of a perfectly functioning and unified spiritual army.

Major Lessons & Morals

• The world of the angels is one of perfect order and discipline, a model for the believers to emulate in their own communities and prayers.
• The oath by the angels serves to give immense weight and authority to the statement that follows: “Indeed, your God is One.”
• A believer should strive for discipline and unity in their ranks, just as the angels do.

Supporting References

This verse is the origin of the great importance placed on forming straight and orderly rows in the congregational prayers of Islam. When Muslims stand shoulder-to-shoulder in perfectly aligned rows, they are imitating the cosmic order of the angels, the “Saffat,” who stand in ranks before their Lord.

---

The Angels who Rebuke (Az-Zajirat)

Brief Biography / Background

Az-Zajirat, Those Who Drive or Rebuke, is the second category of angels mentioned in the opening oath of the Surah. This name refers to their role in driving the clouds, or in rebuking and driving away the devils, or in carrying out the commands of Allah with a sense of urgency and force.

Role in the Surah

Their role is to form the second part of the divine oath that establishes the truth of monotheism. “And those who drive with a scolding…” (As-Saffat, 37:2). They represent the active, forceful implementation of the divine will. They are the agents who move creation according to the plan of the Creator.

Personality & Attributes

This group is the archetype of **divine agency and active power**. They are characterized by their forcefulness and their role in directing and managing the affairs of the cosmos as commanded. They are the enforcers of the divine decree.

Major Lessons & Morals

• The universe is not a passive or static entity; it is being actively managed and driven by powerful, unseen forces under God’s command.
• The angels have diverse and powerful roles, from standing in ranks of worship to actively driving the elements of creation.
• This should instill in a believer a sense of awe for the dynamic and powerful nature of Allah’s dominion.

Supporting References

The oath by this group adds a dynamic and forceful element to the opening. It is not just about static order (the ranks), but also about active, powerful implementation. The combination of these oaths builds a majestic and awe-inspiring picture of the angelic realm, all to underscore the greatness of the one God they serve.

---

The Angels who Recite the Reminder (At-Taliyat)

Brief Biography / Background

At-Taliyat, Those Who Recite the Reminder, is the third category of angels mentioned in the opening oath of the Surah. This refers to the angels who are tasked with reciting the divine remembrance (dhikr), which includes the glorification of Allah and the recitation of His scriptures.

Role in the Surah

Their role is to form the third and final part of the divine oath that affirms the Oneness of God. “And those who recite the message…” (As-Saffat, 37:3). They represent the spiritual and revelatory function of the angelic realm. They are the custodians and reciters of the divine truth.

Personality & Attributes

This group is the archetype of the **bearer of divine knowledge and the perpetual worshipper**. They are characterized by their constant recitation and remembrance. They are the ones who fill the heavens with the sound of divine praise. The angels themselves later confirm this role: “…and indeed, we are those who exalt Allah.” (37:166).

Major Lessons & Morals

• The recitation of the divine reminder (the Qur’an and the praises of Allah) is a noble and angelic act.
• The heavens are not silent, but are alive with the constant remembrance and glorification of God by His angels.
• A believer, when they recite the Qur’an, is joining in a cosmic chorus of recitation that is being performed by the angels.

Supporting References

The three opening oaths create a complete and majestic picture of the angelic realm. The Saffat represent their perfect order and submission. The Zajirat represent their active power in the universe. And the Taliyat represent their constant spiritual function of worship and recitation. The combined testimony of these three powerful groups is then used to deliver the core truth: “Indeed, your God is One.”

---

Ashab al-Jahim (The Companions of Hellfire)

Brief Biography / Background

Ashab al-Jahim, the Companions of Hellfire, is the Qur’anic term for those who are destined for the abode of punishment in the Hereafter. They are the ones who rejected the message of the prophets and chose a life of disbelief and sin.

Role in the Surah

Their state is described in a powerful dialogue between a man in Paradise and his former companion on Earth. The man in Paradise looks down and sees his former friend in the midst of the blazing Fire. He says to him, “‘By Allah, you almost ruined me. And if not for the favor of my Lord, I would have been of those brought in [to Hell].'” (37:56-57). The companions of Hell are shown in a state of regret, blaming one another for their fate.

Personality & Attributes

The Companions of Hellfire are the archetype of the **ultimate loser and the regretful soul**. They are characterized by their eternal suffering and their futile arguments. They are the ones who followed the path of denial and must now face its terrible consequences.

Major Lessons & Morals

• The punishments of the Hereafter are real and severe, and one should strive to avoid them at all costs.
• The wrong company can lead a person to the brink of Hellfire. A believer should be grateful for being saved from such companions.
• The dialogues of the people of Hell serve as a powerful warning to the living, urging them to choose their path and their friends wisely.

Supporting References

The scene of the two companions highlights the reality of the final separation. Two people who were intimate friends in this world can have completely opposite eternal destinies based on their choices. The dialogue is a testament to the believer’s gratitude for the gift of guidance that saved him from his friend’s fate.

---

Baal (The Idol)

Brief Biography / Background

Baal was the name of the primary idol worshipped by the people of the Prophet Ilyas (Elijah) (عليه السلام). The worship of Baal was a prominent form of idolatry in the ancient Near East, particularly among the Phoenicians and Canaanites.

Role in the Surah

Baal is mentioned by name as the object of Ilyas’s condemnation. Ilyas confronts his people and asks them a powerful rhetorical question that highlights the absurdity of their idolatry: “Do you call upon Ba’l and leave the best of creators – Allah, your Lord and the Lord of your first forefathers?” (As-Saffat, 37:125-126). Baal represents the specific falsehood that the people had chosen over the truth of the One, True Creator.

Personality & Attributes

Baal is the archetype of the **false deity and the powerless idol**. He is a symbol of the foolishness of shirk. The argument against him is simple and rational: why worship a created object (Baal) and abandon the “best of creators” (Ahsan al-Khaliqin)?

Major Lessons & Morals

• The story is a powerful refutation of idolatry in all its forms.
• A key method of calling to monotheism is to contrast the attributes of the false deity with the magnificent attributes of the true Creator.
• A believer must abandon all false objects of worship and direct their devotion exclusively to their Lord and the Lord of their ancestors.

Supporting References

The mention of Baal by name gives the story of Ilyas a specific historical and cultural context. It shows that the Qur’an engages with the real, historical forms of shirk that the prophets confronted. The argument Ilyas uses, however, is timeless and applies to the worship of any idol or false god.

---

The Companion in Paradise

Brief Biography / Background

The Companion in Paradise is the archetype of the righteous believer who has been granted entry into the Garden. He is in a state of bliss and is reflecting upon his past life and the mercy of his Lord that saved him.

Role in the Surah

This character is featured in a dialogue where he speaks with his former friend from the worldly life, who is now in Hellfire. He initiates the conversation, asking his fellow inhabitants of Paradise about his old companion. He then looks down and sees him in Hell. He expresses his shock and his gratitude to Allah for saving him from a similar fate. “He will say, ‘By Allah, you almost ruined me. And if not for the favor of my Lord, I would have been of those brought in [to Hell].'” (37:56-57).

Personality & Attributes

This character is an archetype of the **grateful and saved soul**. He is characterized by his awareness of the great blessing of guidance and his recognition that he was saved not by his own merit alone, but by the “favor of my Lord” (ni’matu Rabbi). He is a model of humility even in Paradise.

Major Lessons & Morals

• A believer should never take their guidance for granted, but should constantly be grateful to Allah for saving them from the path of misguidance.
• The wrong company can be a powerful force that can pull a person towards ruin.
• Part of the joy of the people of Paradise will be their profound appreciation for the salvation they have been granted, a joy that is heightened by seeing the fate they have escaped.

Supporting References

This dialogue is a powerful lesson in gratitude. The man’s first instinct is not to gloat over his friend’s demise, but to thank Allah for his own salvation. It teaches that the believer should always have a sense of “There but for the grace of God go I,” a profound humility that recognizes guidance as a pure gift.

---

The Companion in Hell (Qarin)

Brief Biography / Background

The Companion in Hell (Qarin) is the archetype of the disbelieving friend who, in the worldly life, actively mocked the faith of his believing companion and tried to lead him astray.

Role in the Surah

He is the one whom the man in Paradise looks down upon and finds in the midst of the Fire. In the worldly life, this companion used to mock the believer, saying: “‘Are you indeed of those who believe that when we have died and become dust and bones, we will indeed be recompensed?'” (37:52-53). His role is to be the embodiment of cynical denial, the voice of the materialist who cannot comprehend the Hereafter.

Personality & Attributes

This archetype is characterized by his **mockery, cynicism, and disbelief**. He is a “qarin,” an intimate companion, which makes his disbelief and his attempt to misguide his friend all the more dangerous. He is the one who, in the end, is proven tragically wrong.

Major Lessons & Morals

• One must be extremely careful in choosing one’s close friends, as they have a powerful influence on one’s faith.
• Mocking the core tenets of faith, like the Resurrection, is a sign of deep-seated disbelief that leads to a terrible end.
• The story is a powerful warning that the cynical arguments of this world will be answered with the harsh reality of the next.

Supporting References

The dialogue between the two companions, one in bliss and one in torment, is a powerful and dramatic illustration of the Surah’s central theme: the reality of the Hereafter. The very thing the companion in Hell mocked is the reality he is now suffering, and the reality his believing friend is now enjoying.

---

Dawud `عليه السلام` (alluded to via the chain of prophets)

Brief Biography / Background

While not mentioned by name, Dawud (David) (عليه السلام) is alluded to as part of the blessed prophetic lineage. He was the father of Sulayman `عليه السلام` and a righteous prophet and king who was granted great favor by Allah.

Role in the Surah

His presence is understood in the background of the stories of Ibrahim and his descendants. The favor and legacy left to Ibrahim were passed down through his sons and grandsons, a line that eventually led to Dawud and Sulayman. The command to the family of Dawud to “work in gratitude” (mentioned in Surah Saba) is a direct continuation of the gratitude shown by Ibrahim.

Personality & Attributes

Dawud is the archetype of the **grateful and wise prophet-king**. He is a link in the golden chain of monotheistic prophets who were all chosen by Allah and were all “Muhsinin” (good-doers).

Major Lessons & Morals

• The blessings and guidance of Allah are often passed down through a righteous lineage.
• All the prophets are part of a single brotherhood, and their stories are interconnected.
• The legacy of a great prophet like Ibrahim is fulfilled in the missions of the great prophets who come after him.

Supporting References

The Surah’s structure, which moves through the stories of the great prophets, creates a powerful sense of continuity. The “peace” that is sent upon Nuh, Ibrahim, Musa, and Ilyas is a peace that extends to all the messengers, including Dawud, who followed in their footsteps.

---

Dhibh ‘Azim (The Great Sacrifice)

Brief Biography / Background

The Dhibh ‘Azim, the Great or Momentous Sacrifice, refers to the ram that Allah sent down from Paradise to be sacrificed in place of Ibrahim’s son. It was the divine ransom and the merciful conclusion to the great test of Prophet Ibrahim (عليه السلام).

Role in the Surah

Its role is to be the divine intervention that affirms the success of Ibrahim and his son in their test. After they had both submitted completely to the will of Allah and Ibrahim had laid his son down for sacrifice, Allah called out to him and told him he had fulfilled the vision. “And We ransomed him with a great sacrifice.” (As-Saffat, 37:107).

Personality & Attributes

The Great Sacrifice is the archetype of **divine mercy, ransom, and miraculous provision**. It is “azim” (great, momentous) not necessarily because of its size, but because of its divine origin and its profound significance. It is the symbol of the merciful way out that Allah provides after a period of immense trial.

Major Lessons & Morals

• When a believer is willing to sacrifice what is most beloved to them for the sake of Allah, Allah will replace it with something good from Himself.
• The story is the foundation for the ritual of sacrifice (Qurbani or Udhiyah) in Islam, which commemorates this ultimate act of submission.
• Allah does not desire human sacrifice; rather, He desires the submission of the heart, which is the true essence of the sacrifice.

Supporting References

This event is the climax of Ibrahim’s story and one of the most powerful moments in the entire Qur’an. The arrival of the “Great Sacrifice” is the ultimate sign of acceptance from Allah. It is a testament to the principle that Allah tests His servants, but He never abandons them, and His tests are always followed by His mercy.

---

The Eavesdropping Devil

Brief Biography / Background

The Eavesdropping Devil is the archetype of the rebellious jinn (shayatin) who attempt to steal information from the heavens. They try to listen in on the conversations of the angels in the “Highest Assembly” to gain scraps of knowledge about future events, which they then pass on to their human allies, like soothsayers.

Role in the Surah

Their activity and their fate are described to prove that the heavens are a divinely-guarded realm. The Surah states that Allah has adorned the nearest heaven with stars and “as protection against every rebellious devil. They cannot listen to the exalted assembly and are pelted from every side, repelled; and for them is a constant punishment. Except one who snatches a fragment by stealth, but he is pursued by a piercing flame.” (37:7-10).

Personality & Attributes

This archetype is characterized by its **rebelliousness, its deceitfulness, and its ultimate failure**. They are the thieves of the unseen realm. They are persistent in their attempts, but they are constantly repelled and punished for their transgression.

Major Lessons & Morals

• The unseen realm of the heavens is not an open space, but is actively and powerfully guarded by Allah’s command.
• One should completely reject all forms of fortune-telling and soothsaying, as their source of information is the “stolen fragments” brought by these eavesdropping devils, mixed with many lies.
• The phenomenon of shooting stars is explained as the “piercing flames” used to pursue these devils, a beautiful example of the Qur’an giving a spiritual meaning to a natural phenomenon.

Supporting References

This passage is a powerful refutation of the pre-Islamic Arab belief that soothsayers (kahins) had a reliable connection to the unseen world. The Qur’an confirms that they have a connection, but it is a corrupt, satanic, and unreliable one, based on theft and deception, and is constantly being thwarted by the guardians of the heavens.

---

Fir’awn (Pharaoh) (alluded to with Musa & Harun)

Brief Biography / Background

While not mentioned by name, Fir’awn, the tyrannical king of Egypt, is the implicit antagonist in the story of Musa and Harun. He was the one to whom they were sent and the one whose people they were commanded to guide. He is the ultimate Qur’anic archetype of the arrogant ruler who rebels against God.

Role in the Surah

His presence is understood as the leader of the disbelieving nation that rejected the “clear proofs” brought by Musa and Harun. The story is told from the perspective of the prophets’ salvation and the honor bestowed upon them after their struggle with him. Allah saved them and the Children of Israel from the “great affliction” of his tyranny and granted them victory. Fir’awn is the one whose armies were defeated and whose legacy was one of failure.

Personality & Attributes

Fir’awn is the archetype of the **arrogant tyrant and the defeated enemy of God**. He represents worldly power that, when it stands in opposition to divine authority, is destined for humiliation and destruction.

Major Lessons & Morals

• The story of the downfall of the tyrant is a source of hope and strength for the believers.
• No matter how great the oppression may seem, Allah’s plan is to save the believers and grant them victory.
• The ultimate legacy of those who fight against the prophets is one of disgrace and ruin.

Supporting References

The focus of the story in Surah As-Saffat is not on the details of the confrontation, which are covered elsewhere, but on the final outcome and the lasting honor given to Musa and Harun. It is a story of their vindication, which implicitly includes the defeat of their great enemy, Fir’awn.

---

The Great Fish (Al-Hut)

Brief Biography / Background

Al-Hut, the Great Fish or Whale, is the creature that, by the command of Allah, swallowed the Prophet Yunus (Jonah) `عليه السلام` after he abandoned his people and boarded a ship. It became his temporary prison and the site of his profound repentance.

Role in the Surah

The Fish’s role is to be the agent of a divine test and a means of discipline for the prophet. After Yunus was cast into the sea, the fish swallowed him. “Then the fish swallowed him, while he was blameworthy.” (As-Saffat, 37:142). The fish’s belly became the place of darkness from which Yunus offered his sincere prayer. The Surah states that had he not been of those who exalt Allah, he would have remained in its belly until the Day of Resurrection.

Personality & Attributes

The Great Fish is an archetype of a **divinely-commanded agent of discipline and a vessel of trial**. It is not a malevolent creature, but a soldier of Allah, carrying out a specific command. It is a living, moving prison designed to bring a prophet back to a state of repentance.

Major Lessons & Morals

• Allah can use any of His creatures, great or small, to carry out His divine plan.
• Sometimes a period of intense, constricting difficulty (like the belly of the fish) is a means by which Allah seeks to bring a servant back to Him.
• The constant remembrance and exaltation of Allah is a means of salvation from the darkest and most hopeless of situations.

Supporting References

The story is a powerful lesson in the mercy of Allah. Yunus was “blameworthy” (mulim) for his impatience, yet Allah did not destroy him. Instead, He placed him in a state of extreme distress to facilitate his repentance. The fish was not an instrument of punishment, but an instrument of purification.

---

Harun (Aaron) `عليه السلام`

Brief Biography / Background

Harun (عليه السلام) was the elder brother of Prophet Musa (عليه السلام) and a prophet of Allah in his own right. He was appointed by Allah to be a helper and spokesman for Musa due to his eloquence, a direct answer to Musa’s prayer.

Role in the Surah

Harun is mentioned alongside his brother Musa as a recipient of Allah’s great favor and salvation. “And We did certainly confer favor upon Moses and Aaron. And We saved them and their people from the great affliction, and We supported them so it was they who were the triumphant.” (37:114-116). He is also mentioned as a co-recipient of the “explicit Book” (the Torah) and a guide to the straight path. He is a partner in both the struggle and the victory.

Personality & Attributes

Harun is the archetype of the **righteous partner and the supportive brother**. He is characterized by his piety and his role as a fellow bearer of the divine scripture. His mention alongside Musa emphasizes the theme of prophetic brotherhood and mutual support leading to a shared, divinely-granted triumph.

Major Lessons & Morals

• The burden of conveying the divine message is often shared, and righteous companionship is a great mercy from Allah.
• Allah’s victory is granted to those who work together for His cause.
• All prophets are brothers in a single mission, and their stories reinforce one another.

Supporting References

While other Surahs detail his specific roles and dialogues, his mention in Surah As-Saffat is as part of the grand procession of prophets. He is honored as a recipient of the Book, a guide to the straight path, and one of the “Muhsinin” (good-doers) upon whom a favorable mention and a greeting of “Peace” was left for all time.

---

The Hur ‘In (Companions with beautiful eyes)

Brief Biography / Background

The Hur ‘In 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 His chosen servants.

Role in the Surah

They are mentioned as part of the blissful description of the rewards in Paradise. The chosen servants will be in Gardens of Pleasure, on thrones facing each other, served with a pure drink. “And with them will be women limiting [their] glances, with large, [beautiful] eyes, as if they were guarded eggs.” (As-Saffat, 37:48-49).

Personality & Attributes

The Hur ‘In are the archetype of **purity, beauty, and chaste companionship**. They are characterized by their modesty (“limiting their glances,” meaning they look only to their husbands) and their untouched, pristine beauty (like a “guarded egg,” perfect in its color and protected from any blemish).

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 simile of the “guarded egg” is a beautiful and delicate one from the Arab literary tradition. It refers to the inner part of an ostrich egg after it has been peeled, which was known for its perfect, unblemished yellowish-white color and its protected, untouched nature. It is a metaphor for absolute purity and pristine beauty.

---

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, his courageous stand against the idolatry of his nation, and his profound and unparalleled submission to Allah’s will.

Role in the Surah

The story of Ibrahim is one of the most detailed and moving narratives in the Surah. It highlights his status as a sincere follower of Nuh’s path, his rational debate against the idols of his people, and most importantly, the ultimate test of his faith: the command to sacrifice his beloved son. The Surah details his consultation with his son and their joint, perfect submission to the divine will. “And when they had both submitted and he put him down upon his forehead, We called to him, ‘O Abraham, you have fulfilled the vision…'” (37:103-105). For passing this “clear trial,” he was ransomed with the great sacrifice and given the good tidings of another son, Ishaq.

Personality & Attributes

Ibrahim is the ultimate archetype of the **perfectly submissive servant (‘Abd) and the friend of God (Khalil)**. He is characterized by his wisdom, his courage, and his profound, heart-wrenching submission. He is a “Muhsin” (a good-doer) of the highest rank, who was willing to sacrifice the most precious thing in his life for the sake of his Lord.

Major Lessons & Morals

• The path of faith is a path of great trials, and the greatest of servants are given the most difficult of tests.
• True submission is to obey the command of Allah even when it seems impossible or goes against every human emotion.
• When a believer shows perfect submission, Allah provides a miraculous and merciful way out and replaces the sacrifice with an even greater good.

Supporting References

His story is the centerpiece of the Surah. It is the ultimate practical demonstration of what it means to be a “chosen servant” of God. The story is the foundation of the annual Eid al-Adha, the Festival of Sacrifice, which commemorates this unparalleled act of faith.

---

Ibrahim’s Father and People

Brief Biography / Background

This group represents the idolatrous society in which Prophet Ibrahim (عليه السلام) was raised. His father, Azar, was not only a worshipper of idols but a craftsman who carved them. They were a people steeped in the traditions of their ancestors.

Role in the Surah

Their role is to be the recipients of Ibrahim’s logical and rational argument against idolatry. He confronts his father and his people: “‘What do you worship?’… ‘Is it falsehood [and] gods other than Allah you desire? Then what is your thought of the Lord of the worlds?'” (37:85-87). They are the ones whose idols Ibrahim cleverly deceives and then smashes, exposing their utter powerlessness. They are the ones who, having been defeated intellectually, resort to the brute force of trying to burn him alive.

Personality & Attributes

Ibrahim’s Father and People are the archetype of those engaged in **blind imitation and irrational shirk**. They are characterized by their inability to answer Ibrahim’s simple, logical questions. Their faith is based on tradition, not on reason, and their response to being challenged is anger and violence.

Major Lessons & Morals

• Blindly following the traditions of one’s ancestors is not a valid justification for falsehood.
• The arguments for idolatry are fundamentally weak and collapse under the weight of simple, rational questioning.

* When people have no sound argument for their beliefs, they often resort to force and persecution.

Supporting References

The story focuses on Ibrahim’s intellectual and spiritual superiority. He systematically deconstructs their entire worldview through a series of clever questions and a brilliant act of practical demonstration (smashing the idols). Their failure to respond with anything other than fire is the ultimate admission of their intellectual defeat.

---

Ibrahim’s Son (The Sacrificial Son)

Brief Biography / Background

This is the beloved son of Prophet Ibrahim (عليه السلام), whom Allah commanded Ibrahim to sacrifice in a great and difficult test of faith. While the Qur’an does not name him in this passage, the majority of Islamic scholarship, based on other textual and contextual evidence, identifies him as Isma’il (Ishmael) `عليه السلام`. He was the firstborn son, born to Ibrahim in his old age.

Role in the Surah

He is a central figure in the story of the great test of Ibrahim. When his father tells him about the divine command he saw in a dream, the son’s response is a model of perfect submission. “He said, ‘O my father, do as you are commanded. You will find me, if Allah wills, of the patient.'” (As-Saffat, 37:102). His role is to be the willing and patient partner in his father’s ultimate act of submission to Allah. He is the one for whom the “Great Sacrifice” (Dhibh ‘Azim) was sent as a ransom.

Personality & Attributes

He is the ultimate archetype of the **patient and submissive son (As-Sabir)**. He is characterized by his profound faith, his courage, and his complete trust in both his father and his Lord. His response is not one of fear or hesitation, but of immediate and patient compliance, conditioned only by the will of Allah (“if Allah wills”).

Major Lessons & Morals

• True submission to Allah means accepting His decree, no matter how difficult or personally costly it may be.
• A righteous child is a great blessing and can be a source of strength for their parents in fulfilling the commands of God.
• The story is a timeless lesson in sacrifice, demonstrating that when one is willing to give up what is most beloved for Allah’s sake, Allah provides a miraculous and merciful way out.

Supporting References

Tafsir literature marvels at the son’s response. He did not just say “I will be patient,” but qualified it with “In sha’ Allah,” showing his profound humility and his understanding that even the ability to be patient is a gift from God. The entire event is the basis for the annual Eid al-Adha (The Festival of Sacrifice) in Islam, where Muslims commemorate this ultimate act of submission.

---

The Idols of Ibrahim’s People

Brief Biography / Background

These were the statues and icons that were worshipped as deities by the people of Prophet Ibrahim (عليه السلام). They were the physical embodiment of their shirk (polytheism).

Role in the Surah

The Idols are the silent but central subject of Ibrahim’s clever plot to expose the foolishness of his people. After they leave for a festival, Ibrahim turns to the idols and mockingly asks them, “‘Do you not eat? What is [wrong] with you that you do not speak?'” (37:91-92). He then proceeds to smash them all into pieces, except for the largest one. When his people return and question him, he sarcastically tells them to ask the largest idol what happened. This act serves as a practical, undeniable proof of their utter powerlessness.

Personality & Attributes

The Idols are the archetype of **complete powerlessness and falsehood**. They are characterized by their inability to eat, speak, or defend themselves. They are the ultimate symbol of a dead faith. They are nothing but the handiwork of their own worshippers.

Major Lessons & Morals

• The core of Ibrahim’s message was a practical one: it is illogical to worship something that cannot even defend itself from a man with an axe.
• A believer should use wisdom and clever arguments to expose the irrationality of falsehood.
• The act of idolatry is not just a theological error but a profound intellectual failure.

Supporting References

Ibrahim’s act of smashing the idols was a revolutionary one. It was not just an act of defiance, but a carefully planned lesson. By leaving the largest idol intact and placing the axe in its hand, he set a brilliant logical trap for his people, forcing them to admit with their own tongues that these statues were nothing but inanimate objects.

---

Ilyas (Elijah) `عليه السلام`

Brief Biography / Background

Ilyas (عليه السلام), or Elijah, was a prophet of the Children of Israel, sent to the people of Baalbek (in modern-day Lebanon). He was a powerful preacher who called his people to abandon the worship of their chief idol, Baal, and to return to the pure monotheism of the One True God.

Role in the Surah

Ilyas is mentioned in the procession of honored prophets. The Surah summarizes his mission, defining him as one of the messengers. His call to his people is quoted: “‘Do you not fear Allah? Do you call upon Ba’l and leave the best of creators – Allah, your Lord and the Lord of your first forefathers?'” (37:124-126). But his people denied him, and the Surah confirms that they will be brought forth for punishment, with the exception of the sincere servants of Allah. Ilyas is honored as a “Muhsin” upon whom a favorable mention and a greeting of “Peace” was left.

Personality & Attributes

Ilyas is the archetype of the **courageous reformer who confronts national idolatry**. He is characterized by his powerful and rational argument. He does not just forbid their worship of Baal, but offers them a superior and logical alternative: the worship of the “best of creators,” who is not a new god, but the same God of their noble ancestors.

Major Lessons & Morals

• A powerful method of da’wah is to appeal to a people’s sense of history and their connection to their righteous forefathers.
• A believer must have the courage to stand against the dominant forms of idolatry in their own time, even if it is the state-sponsored religion.

* The legacy of a righteous prophet is an eternal one; peace and favorable mention are their rewards from Allah.

Supporting References

His story fits perfectly into the Surah’s theme. He is another messenger who delivers the clear message of Tawhid, is rejected by the majority, but is honored and saved by Allah along with the other sincere servants. His story is another proof that the ultimate victory is for the party of God.

---

Ilyasin (The Family of Ilyas)

Brief Biography / Background

Ilyasin is a term that is understood in two primary ways: either as another linguistic form of the name Ilyas, or, as many commentators have held, a reference to the followers or “people” of Ilyas who were upon his righteous path.

Role in the Surah

The term is used in the greeting of peace that was left for Ilyas. After recounting his story, Allah says, “Peace upon Il-yasin.” (As-Saffat, 37:130). If it refers to his followers, then their role is to be the righteous remnant who heeded his call and who are honored alongside their prophet with this divine greeting of peace. They are the “chosen servants” who were saved.

Personality & Attributes

Ilyasin is the archetype of the **righteous and honored community of followers**. They are characterized by their loyalty to their prophet and their adherence to monotheism in a sea of idolatry. They are the ones who share in the eternal peace and blessed memory of their prophet.

Major Lessons & Morals

• The greeting of “Peace” from Allah is one of the greatest of honors, bestowed upon both the prophets and their sincere followers.
• A believer should strive to be part of the spiritual “family” or community of their prophet, so they may be included in the blessings sent upon them.
• The legacy of a prophet includes the righteous community that he cultivated.

Supporting References

The variation in the name (Ilyas to Il-yasin) is a point of deep linguistic and spiritual reflection in Tafsir. The interpretation that it includes his followers is a beautiful one, as it shows that Allah’s greeting of peace is not just for the individual prophet, but for the entire school of thought and community of faith that he established.

---

The Inhabitants of Paradise

Brief Biography / Background

The Inhabitants of Paradise are the righteous believers who are destined for an eternal life of bliss in the Hereafter. They are the “chosen servants” of Allah who will be granted entry into the “Gardens of Pleasure.”

Role in the Surah

Their state is described in detail, in a lively and engaging manner. They are on “thrones facing one another,” in a state of perfect brotherhood. They are served a pure, white drink from a flowing spring that causes no intoxication or ill effects. They are in the company of the beautiful and chaste Hur ‘In. The Surah narrates a dialogue between one of them and his former disbelieving companion, highlighting their profound gratitude for their salvation and their complete security from death after the “first death.”

Personality & Attributes

This group represents the archetype of the **successful, joyful, and eternally secure believer**. They are characterized by their state of perfect peace, honored rest, and joyful fellowship. They are reflective and grateful, fully aware of the great mercy that has been bestowed upon them.

Major Lessons & Morals

• The rewards of Paradise are both physical and spiritual, encompassing delicious sustenance, beautiful companionship, and joyful social interaction.
• A key aspect of the joy of Paradise is the complete removal of death and suffering.
• The conversations of the people of Paradise will be about the mercy of their Lord and the lessons from their worldly lives.

Supporting References

The description of their state, “For the like of this let the workers work,” (37:61) is a powerful divine commentary on the scene. It transforms the description of Paradise from a mere story into a direct and urgent motivation. It tells the reader that this blissful outcome is the goal for which all of life’s efforts should be directed.

---

Ishaq (Isaac) `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 as the second part of the great reward given to Ibrahim after he passed the test of the sacrifice. After ransoming Ibrahim’s first son, Allah gives him the glad tidings of another. “And We gave him good tidings of Isaac, a prophet from among the righteous. And We blessed him and Isaac.” (As-Saffat, 37:112-113). His birth is presented as a direct blessing and a continuation of the righteous, prophetic legacy.

Personality & Attributes

Ishaq is the archetype of the **divinely-granted righteous heir and the prophetic blessing**. He is a symbol of Allah’s immense generosity. He is not just a son, but is given the good news that he will be a “prophet from among the righteous,” a double blessing.

Major Lessons & Morals

• When a believer passes a great test, Allah often rewards them with blessings even greater than what they were asked to sacrifice.
• A righteous child who continues the family’s legacy of faith is one of the greatest blessings from God.

* The legacy of Ibrahim was destined to be carried on through two great prophetic lines, that of Isma’il and that of Ishaq.

Supporting References

The Surah then makes a crucial point: “But among their descendants is the doer of good and the clearly unjust to himself.” This is a powerful reminder that a noble lineage is not a guarantee of salvation. Even from the offspring of the greatest prophets, there will be those who are righteous and those who are sinners. Each individual is responsible for their own choices.

---

Jundullah (The Soldiers of Allah)

Brief Biography / Background

Jundullah, the Soldiers of Allah, is a title for the messengers and their sincere followers. They are the party of God who are engaged in the timeless struggle to establish the truth and to stand against the forces of disbelief and falsehood.

Role in the Surah

They are mentioned at the end of the Surah as the recipients of a definitive and divinely-written promise of victory. “And Our word has already preceded for Our servants, the messengers, [that] indeed, they would be those given victory. And indeed, Our soldiers – they will be the victors.” (As-Saffat, 37:171-173).

Personality & Attributes

The Soldiers of Allah are the archetype of the **divinely-supported and ultimately victorious party**. They are characterized by their steadfastness, their perseverance, and their trust in the promise of their Lord. They may face temporary setbacks and difficulties, but their ultimate triumph is guaranteed.

Major Lessons & Morals

• A believer who stands for the cause of the messengers is a member of the “Soldiers of Allah.”
• A believer should have absolute and unwavering certainty in the ultimate victory of the cause of Islam.
• This divine promise is a source of immense hope and strength, especially in times when the forces of falsehood appear to be dominant.

Supporting References

These verses are one of the most powerful promises of victory in the entire Qur’an. They are a “word that has already preceded,” meaning a primordial and unchangeable decree from Allah. This gives the believer a sense of historical and eschatological certainty. The question is not *if* the party of God will be victorious, but only *when* and whether we will be a part of that victorious army.

---

Lut `عليه السلام`

Brief Biography / Background

Lut (عليه السلام), Lot, was a prophet of Allah and the nephew of Prophet Ibrahim (عليه السلام). He was sent to the people of Sodom, a community that had become infamous for their sexual perversion and social corruption.

Role in the Surah

Lut is mentioned in the procession of honored prophets. The Surah concisely summarizes his story as another example of the salvation of the chosen servants. “And indeed, Lot was among the messengers. [Remember] when We saved him and his family, all, except an old woman among those who remained behind. Then We destroyed the others.” (37:133-136). The Surah also notes that the people of Makkah would pass by the ruins of their city in their travels, making their story a visible and tangible lesson.

Personality & Attributes

Lut is the archetype of the **righteous man who is saved from a corrupt society**. He is characterized by his steadfastness in a deeply depraved environment. He is one of the “Mukhlasin” (chosen servants) who was granted salvation by Allah’s mercy.

Major Lessons & Morals

• Allah’s justice is precise; He always provides a way out for the believers before a general punishment descends.
• Salvation is based on individual faith, not just family ties, as shown by the destruction of his wife.

* The ruins of past civilizations are meant to be a source of profound moral lessons for those who pass by them.

Supporting References

The address to the Quraysh, “And indeed, you pass by them in the morning and at night. Then will you not use reason?” (37:137-138) is a powerful and direct challenge. It tells them that they are walking past the evidence of divine justice every day on their trade journeys, and their failure to learn from it is a failure of their own intellect.

---

Lut’s Wife (The Old Woman)

Brief Biography / Background

The wife of Prophet Lut (عليه السلام) was a member of the prophet’s household but was not a true believer. She was inwardly sympathetic to the corrupt people of the city and their wicked practices. She is a prime Qur’anic example of betrayal from within.

Role in the Surah

Her role is that of the exception to the rule of salvation. When Allah details the salvation of Lut and his family, He makes one specific exclusion. “So We saved him and his family, all, except for an old woman (‘ajuz) among those who remained behind.” (As-Saffat, 37:134-135). Her fate was sealed with that of the wicked because her allegiance was with them. She “remained behind” not just physically, but spiritually.

Personality & Attributes

She is the archetype of the **traitor and the hypocrite**. She enjoyed the protection and status of being a prophet’s wife while secretly siding with the enemies of God. Her character demonstrates a profound lack of loyalty and a heart that was attached to a sinful way of life.

Major Lessons & Morals

• Kinship with a righteous person, even a prophet, provides no guarantee of salvation.
• Each individual is judged based on their own faith, allegiance, and actions.
• Internal hypocrisy is a disease that can lead to being counted among the doomed, even if one is outwardly associated with the righteous.

Supporting References

Tradition holds that her betrayal was in signaling to the wicked men of the city whenever Lut had visitors, thereby aiding and abetting their sinful intentions. The term “old woman” (‘ajuz) is used to perhaps emphasize the tragedy of a long life spent in heedlessness, failing to benefit from the direct guidance present in her own home.

---

The Messengers (Al-Mursalun)

Brief Biography / Background

Al-Mursalun, the Messengers, are the prophets chosen by Allah to deliver His divine message to mankind. They are the best of humanity, tasked with the difficult duty of guiding people and warning them of the consequences of disbelief.

Role in the Surah

The Messengers are the primary heroes of the Surah. An entire procession of them is presented to prove that the ultimate victory belongs to them. The Surah concludes with a definitive declaration of Allah’s support for them and a greeting of peace upon them all: “And Our word has already preceded for Our servants, the messengers, [that] indeed, they would be those given victory… And peace upon the messengers. And praise to Allah, Lord of the worlds.” (37:171-173, 181-182).

Personality & Attributes

The Messengers are the archetype of the **divinely-supported and ultimately victorious guides**. They are characterized by their perseverance, their truthfulness, and their status as the recipients of divine aid. They are the “Soldiers of Allah” who are the ultimate victors in the struggle for truth.

Major Lessons & Morals

• A believer must have faith in all the messengers of Allah.
• Sending peace and blessings upon the messengers is a praiseworthy act and a part of the Islamic creed.
• The ultimate victory in the struggle between truth and falsehood is guaranteed for the party of the messengers.

Supporting References

The final three verses of the Surah are a powerful and comprehensive conclusion that summarize the entire Islamic worldview. They establish three key principles: exalting God above all falsehood, sending peace upon all His messengers, and affirming that all praise is due to Him. It is a perfect conclusion to a Surah dedicated to their stories.

---

Musa (Moses) `عليه السلام`

Brief Biography / Background

Musa (عليه السلام) is one of the five greatest messengers of Allah, sent with the Torah to the Children of Israel. His story is one of struggle against the greatest tyrant of his time, Pharaoh, and his life is filled with spectacular miracles and profound lessons.

Role in the Surah

The story of Musa and his brother Harun is recounted as a prime example of Allah’s favor upon His chosen servants. “And We did certainly confer favor upon Moses and Aaron. And We saved them and their people from the great affliction, and We supported them so it was they who were the triumphant. And We gave them the explicit Book and guided them to the straight path.” (37:114-118). Their story is one of salvation, victory, and receiving the guidance of the scripture.

Personality & Attributes

Musa is the archetype of the **prophet who is granted salvation and victory**. He is the one who, with his brother, was saved from the “great affliction” of Pharaoh’s tyranny. He is the bearer of the “explicit Book” (Al-Kitab al-Mustabin) and the guide to the “straight path” (As-Sirat al-Mustaqim).

Major Lessons & Morals

• Allah’s favor is bestowed upon His chosen messengers, and He grants them victory over their enemies.
• Divine scriptures are an “explicit” and clear source of guidance for humanity.
• The path of the prophets is the one and only “straight path” that leads to salvation.

Supporting References

Their story fits the Surah’s theme of rewarding the “Muhsinin” (good-doers). They are honored with a favorable mention in later generations and a greeting of “Peace.” Their narrative is another powerful historical proof that the promise of Allah to His soldiers is true.

---

Nuh (Noah) `عليه السلام`

Brief Biography / Background

Nuh (عليه السلام) is one of the five greatest messengers of “strong resolve.” He is renowned for his monumental patience, having preached to his people for 950 years in the face of their stubborn disbelief. He was saved, along with the believers, in the great Ark from the Flood.

Role in the Surah

The story of Nuh is the first prophetic narrative presented in detail. It is a prime example of a prophet calling out to Allah in distress and being answered. “And Noah had certainly called Us, and [We are] the best of responders. And We saved him and his people from the great affliction.” (As-Saffat, 37:75-76). His story establishes the recurring theme of the Surah: the salvation of the prophet and his followers, and the destruction of the deniers.

Personality & Attributes

Nuh is the archetype of the **persevering messenger whose call is answered**. He is characterized by his patience in preaching and his turning to Allah as his only source of help when his people’s rejection became absolute. He is a “Muhsin” (good-doer) upon whom a favorable mention and a greeting of “Peace” was left for all generations.

Major Lessons & Morals

• When faced with overwhelming opposition, a believer should turn to Allah in sincere supplication, for He is the “best of responders.”
• Allah is the ultimate savior who responds to the calls of His righteous servants and rescues them from their afflictions.
• Leaving a legacy of righteousness and a “favorable mention” among later generations is a great blessing and reward from Allah.

Supporting References

The description of the Flood as “the great affliction” (al-karb al-‘azim) captures the immense scale of the trial he and his family faced. Their salvation was a direct and powerful response to Nuh’s heartfelt call, establishing a pattern that is repeated in the stories of the other prophets mentioned in the Surah.

---

People of Ilyas, The

Brief Biography / Background

The People of Ilyas were the community of the Children of Israel, likely in the northern kingdom, to whom the Prophet Ilyas (Elijah) `عليه السلام` was sent. They had fallen into the prominent Canaanite practice of worshipping the idol Baal.

Role in the Surah

Their role is to be the archetypal idolatrous nation that is confronted by a powerful monotheistic preacher. They are the ones to whom Ilyas makes his rational appeal: “Do you call upon Ba’l and leave the best of creators – Allah, your Lord and the Lord of your first forefathers?” (37:125-126). Their response was one of denial: “And they denied him, so indeed, they will be brought [for punishment].” (37:127).

Personality & Attributes

They are characterized by their **blind adherence to idolatry and their rejection of their prophetic heritage**. They had abandoned the worship of the God of their forefathers (like Ibrahim, Ishaq, and Ya’qub) in favor of the popular pagan deity of the surrounding culture. They are an example of a community that has lost its way.

Major Lessons & Morals

• A community can have a noble heritage but still fall into the worst forms of disbelief if it abandons its principles.
• The call of the prophets is always a call back to the pure, original faith of one’s righteous ancestors.
• Those who deny the messengers will inevitably be brought forth to face the consequences.

Supporting References

Their story is a powerful lesson in the dangers of cultural assimilation. They adopted the corrupt religious practices of their neighbors instead of holding fast to the monotheistic legacy they had inherited. Ilyas’s call was a call to return to their authentic spiritual roots.

---

People of Lut, The

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

Their story is told concisely as another example of a community that was destroyed for their sin, while the prophet and the believers were saved. After mentioning that Lut was saved along with his family, the Surah says, “Then We destroyed the others.” (37:136). The Surah then directly addresses the Quraysh of Makkah, stating that they pass by the ruins of this city on their trade journeys, making the lesson a tangible and observable one.

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 ruins of past civilizations are not just historical curiosities but are meant to be a source of profound moral lessons.

* A rational person should reflect on the visible evidence of the fate of past nations and take heed.

Supporting References

The direct address to the Quraysh, “And indeed, you pass by them in the morning and at night. Then will you not use reason?” (37:137-138) is a powerful rhetorical challenge. It effectively says, “You see the proof with your own eyes every day. Why do you not use your intellect to understand its meaning?”

---

People of Nuh, The

Brief Biography / Background

The People of Nuh were the community to whom Prophet Nuh (عليه السلام) was sent. They were the first civilization after the time of Adam to fall into widespread idolatry, and they stubbornly rejected their prophet’s call for nine and a half centuries.

Role in the Surah

They are the first historical example of a disbelieving nation presented in the Surah. Their crime is that they rejected the message of their prophet. Their role is to be the archetypal nation of deniers who were completely destroyed by a just punishment, while their prophet and his family were saved. Their drowning is the foundational lesson in divine retribution and salvation presented in the Surah.

Personality & Attributes

They are characterized by their **stubbornness, arrogance, and their ultimate failure** to heed centuries of warning. They are the “wrongdoers” who were seized by the Flood. They are the original pattern of denial that later nations would tragically imitate.

Major Lessons & Morals

• The story of Nuh’s people is the ultimate lesson in the consequences of persistent disbelief.
• Their destruction by the flood is a sign of Allah’s power and justice, and a reminder for all generations.
• A believer should learn from their mistake and never allow arrogance or tradition to become a barrier to the truth.

Supporting References

The Surah emphasizes the salvation of Nuh and his family (“his people”) in the “laden ship,” establishing a clear dichotomy between the saved believers and the drowned deniers. This pattern of separation and divergent fates is a core theme that runs through all the prophetic stories in the chapter.

---

Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ)

Brief Biography / Background

Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) is the final messenger of Allah, to whom the Qur’an was revealed. Surah As-Saffat was revealed to him in Makkah to provide him with solace and to arm him with the stories and arguments needed to confront the polytheists of his time.

Role in the Surah

He is the one to whom the disbelievers direct their mockery and their absurd claims (such as Allah having daughters). The Surah defends him by showing that all previous prophets faced similar rejection. The entire chapter is a source of strength for him, concluding with the ultimate promise of victory for him and all messengers. He is commanded to turn away from the deniers for a time and to glorify his Lord, the Lord of Honor, exalting Him above all their false descriptions.

Personality & Attributes

As the addressee of the Surah, the Prophet ﷺ is the archetype of the **patient messenger who is heir to the prophetic tradition and the recipient of the divine promise of victory**. The Surah acknowledges the difficulty of his mission but constantly reassures him that the ultimate outcome is not in doubt, as he is one of the “Soldiers of Allah” who will be victorious.

Major Lessons & Morals

• The struggles of a caller to Islam are part of a timeless prophetic pattern, and one should find strength in the stories of the past.
• A believer must be patient in the face of denial and trust that Allah’s plan will unfold and His promise of victory will be fulfilled.

* The correct response to the blasphemies of the ignorant is to glorify Allah and exalt Him above all falsehood.

Supporting References

The Surah provides the Prophet with a sense of historical certainty. By seeing his own struggle mirrored in the lives of Nuh, Ibrahim, Musa, and others, his conviction in the divine nature of his mission and its ultimate success would have been profoundly strengthened. It is a Surah of deep and powerful consolation.

---

The Rebellious Devils (Marid)

Brief Biography / Background

The Rebellious Devils (Marid) are a specific type of Shayatin (devils) known for being particularly defiant, insolent, and rebellious. They are the ones who actively try to breach the heavens to steal information from the unseen realm.

Role in the Surah

Their role is to be the primary target of the celestial guards. The Surah states that Allah has adorned the nearest heaven with stars and “as protection against every rebellious devil (shaytanin marid).” (As-Saffat, 37:7). They are the ones who are constantly repelled and pelted from every side, preventing them from listening to the “exalted assembly” of the angels.

Personality & Attributes

This archetype is characterized by its **extreme rebelliousness, its persistence in falsehood, and its ultimate failure**. They are the spies of the unseen world who are constantly being thwarted by the “piercing flames.”

Major Lessons & Morals

• The heavens are a protected realm, and the unseen knowledge of the future is not accessible to the forces of evil.
• This should give a believer complete confidence in the purity of the divine message and complete distrust in all forms of fortune-telling that claim to have access to this guarded information.

* The struggle between the angelic guards and the rebellious devils is a constant, unseen reality that demonstrates the power and order of Allah’s kingdom.

Supporting References

The existence of these “rebellious devils” and the celestial defense against them provides a cosmic context for the struggle on earth. Just as there is a battle between truth and falsehood on earth, there is a battle for the integrity of information in the heavens, and in both arenas, Allah’s plan is ultimately victorious.

---

Shayatin (The Devils)

Brief Biography / Background

The Shayatin, the devils, are the rebellious Jinn who are the soldiers and offspring of Iblis. Their purpose is to whisper evil, incite sin, and to inspire falsehood in the hearts of their human allies.

Role in the Surah

The devils are mentioned in two key contexts. First, they are the rebellious eavesdroppers who try to steal information from the heavens but are pursued by piercing flames. Second, the fruit of the Tree of Zaqqum in Hell is described with a terrifying simile: “Its emerging fruit is as if it was the heads of the devils.” (37:65). This comparison is used to evoke the utmost sense of horror and ugliness.

Personality & Attributes

The Devils are the archetype of **rebellion, ugliness, and deceit**. They are the ultimate symbols of all that is foul and terrifying. Their heads are used as the ultimate metaphor for horror, a testament to their repulsive nature.

Major Lessons & Morals

• The world of the devils is a reality that a believer must be aware of and seek protection from.
• The imagery used to describe Hell is meant to create a powerful aversion to the sins that lead to it.
• The ugliness of the devils is a reflection of the ugliness of the sins they promote.

Supporting References

The simile of the “heads of the devils” is powerful because it uses an unseen horror to describe the unseen horror of the fruit of Zaqqum. Since the Arabs had a deep-seated fear and a vivid imagination of the terrifying appearance of devils, this comparison would have created the most repellent image possible in their minds.

---

Shihab Thaqib (The Piercing Flame)

Brief Biography / Background

The Shihab Thaqib, the Piercing Flame, is the celestial weapon used to pursue and strike the devils who try to eavesdrop on the conversations of the angels in the highest assembly. It is commonly understood to be a reference to meteors or shooting stars.

Role in the Surah

Its role is to be the active agent of divine protection, the guardian of the unseen realm. After describing the eavesdropping of the devils, the Surah details their fate: “Except one who snatches a fragment by stealth, but he is pursued by a piercing flame.” (As-Saffat, 37:10).

Personality & Attributes

The Piercing Flame is the archetype of a **swift, precise, and inescapable divine weapon**. It is a symbol of the active and powerful defense that Allah has placed in the heavens to guard the purity of His command. It is the “celestial guard” that strikes the “celestial thief.”

Major Lessons & Morals

• The Qur’an provides a spiritual and purposeful explanation for natural phenomena like shooting stars.
• A believer should see a shooting star not just as a piece of rock burning in the atmosphere, but as a sign of the ongoing battle in the unseen world and the protection of the heavens.

* This should increase a believer’s awe for the order and security of Allah’s kingdom.

Supporting References

This verse provided a definitive answer to the pre-Islamic Arabs who often associated shooting stars with the death of a great man or other superstitious beliefs. Islam re-contextualized this phenomenon, imbuing it with a profound theological meaning that reinforces the core concept of a divinely guarded and ordered universe.

---

Sulayman `عليه السلام` (alluded to via the chain of prophets)

Brief Biography / Background

While not mentioned by name, Sulayman (Solomon) (عليه السلام) is alluded to as part of the blessed prophetic lineage. He was the son of Prophet Dawud `عليه السلام` and a wise prophet and king who was granted an unprecedented kingdom by Allah.

Role in the Surah

His presence is understood in the background of the stories of Ibrahim and his descendants. The favor and legacy left to Ibrahim were passed down through his sons and grandsons, a line that eventually led to Dawud and Sulayman. The special favor given to the “family of Dawud” was a continuation of the blessings upon the family of Ibrahim.

Personality & Attributes

Sulayman is the archetype of the **grateful and wise prophet-king**. He is a link in the golden chain of monotheistic prophets who were all chosen by Allah and were all “Muhsinin” (good-doers).

Major Lessons & Morals

• The blessings and guidance of Allah are often passed down through a righteous lineage.
• All the prophets are part of a single brotherhood, and their stories are interconnected.
• The legacy of a great prophet like Ibrahim is fulfilled in the missions of the great prophets who come after him.

Supporting References

The Surah’s structure, which moves through the stories of the great prophets, creates a powerful sense of continuity. The “peace” that is sent upon Nuh, Ibrahim, Musa, and Ilyas is a peace that extends to all the messengers, including Sulayman, who followed in their footsteps. All are part of the victorious “Soldiers of Allah.”

---

The Tree of Zaqqum

Brief Biography / Background

The Tree of Zaqqum is a horrific tree that the Qur’an describes as growing from the bottom of the Hellfire. It is not a source of sustenance or relief, but is a part of the punishment for the inhabitants of Hell.

Role in the Surah

The Tree of Zaqqum is described as the food that the people of Hell will be forced to eat. “Indeed, it is a tree that emerges from the foundation of Hellfire. Its emerging fruit is as if it was the heads of the devils. And indeed, they will eat from it and fill with it their bellies. Then indeed, they will have after it a mixture of scalding water.” (As-Saffat, 37:64-67).

Personality & Attributes

The Tree of Zaqqum is the archetype of **horrific and punishing sustenance**. It is the opposite of the delightful fruits and pure drinks of Paradise. Its very appearance is terrifying, like the “heads of the devils,” and its consumption only leads to further torment.

Major Lessons & Morals

• The descriptions of Hell and its punishments are meant to serve as a powerful deterrent from the sins that lead to it.
• A believer should reflect on this terrible imagery and be profoundly grateful for the “noble provision” promised to the righteous.
• The food and drink of the Hereafter will be a direct reflection of one’s deeds in this life: either pure and delightful, or foul and punishing.

Supporting References

This tree was a test for the disbelievers of Makkah, who mocked the idea of a tree growing in the midst of a fire. The Qur’an affirms that it is a “trial for the wrongdoers.” Their literalist and materialistic mindset prevented them from understanding that the laws of the Hereafter are not the same as the laws of this world, and that the God who created fire can surely create a tree that grows within it.

---

The Yaqtin (The Gourd Plant)

Brief Biography / Background

The Yaqtin, or Gourd Plant, is a type of vined plant, such as a squash or pumpkin, known for its broad leaves and nourishing fruit. It was miraculously caused to grow by Allah to provide nourishment and shelter for Prophet Yunus (Jonah) `عليه السلام`.

Role in the Surah

Its role is to be an agent of divine mercy and healing. After the great fish cast Yunus out onto the shore in a state of sickness, Allah caused this plant to grow over him. “Then We cast him onto the open shore while he was ill. And We caused to grow over him a gourd plant.” (As-Saffat, 37:145-146).

Personality & Attributes

The Gourd Plant is the archetype of **divine mercy, healing, and gentle provision**. It represents the tender care of Allah for His repentant servant. Its broad leaves provided shade for his sick body, and its fruit provided nourishment. It was a complete and perfect natural remedy provided by the Lord of the worlds.

Major Lessons & Morals

• After a period of great trial and sincere repentance, Allah’s mercy and gentle care will descend upon the believer.
• Allah can provide for His servants from the most unexpected of sources, causing a plant to grow in a barren place to meet a specific need.
• The story is a lesson in the healing and nourishing power of nature, which is a direct manifestation of the mercy of the Creator.

Supporting References

This gentle and merciful act stands in beautiful contrast to the terrifying and constricting trial of the fish’s belly. It shows the two sides of the divine decree: the severe trial designed to bring the servant back, and the gentle mercy that heals and restores the servant after they have repented. It is a complete story of discipline and rehabilitation.

---

Yunus (Jonah) `عليه السلام`

Brief Biography / Background

Yunus (عليه السلام), also known as Jonah or Dha-Nun (The Man of the Fish), was a prophet sent to the people of Nineveh. He is known for his story of leaving his people in anger, being swallowed by a great fish, and then calling out to Allah from the depths of the darkness, after which he and his entire nation were saved.

Role in the Surah

The story of Yunus is the final prophetic narrative in the Surah, a powerful lesson in the consequences of impatience and the power of repentance. He is described as having “fled to the laden ship.” When the ship was in peril, he was chosen by lot to be cast out. The fish swallowed him while he was “blameworthy.” The Surah states that his constant glorification of Allah was the cause of his salvation. He was then cast onto the shore, healed by the gourd plant, and sent back to his people of “a hundred thousand or more,” who then believed and were granted enjoyment for a time.

Personality & Attributes

Yunus is the archetype of the **sincere repentant who finds salvation through sincere admission of his fault**. His story shows a moment of human impatience and anger, followed by a profound realization of his error and a turn to repentance through the glorification of Allah (tasbih). He is a model of a servant who makes a mistake but is saved by his underlying devotion.

Major Lessons & Morals

• A prophet, despite his high rank, is still human and can make mistakes born of impatience.
• The constant glorification of Allah (tasbih) is a powerful key to salvation from the darkest and most hopeless of situations.
• The story of Yunus is a testament to the fact that an entire nation can be saved if they believe, making it a unique and hopeful narrative in the Qur’an.

Supporting References

The Surah highlights a key principle: “And had he not been of those who exalt Allah, he would have remained in its belly until the Day they are resurrected.” This makes it clear that it was his prior and continuous state of being a “musabbih” (one who glorifies God) that was the ultimate cause of his rescue. It is a powerful lesson in the benefit of consistent, lifelong devotion.