The Holy Quran English Translation by MH Shakir
In this show you will be able to listen the English Translation of the Holy Quran by MH Shakir.
info_outline
114 – Al Naas[1-6]
07/01/2023
114 – Al Naas[1-6]
114 – Al Naas – The Human Beings Sura Al Naas and Sura Al Falaq are known as Maudhatayn (The two protectors). Both were revealed simultaneously. Between Al Falaq and Al Naas there are 5 ‘sharrs’ (evils – that which cause harm) from which protection is sought. Here the most deadly of them is mentioned – ‘was waas’ – subtle negative whisperings by the greatest of ‘haasid’s’ (jealous one) – Shaytan. There are 9 inner whispering that cause evil: greed, expectations, worldly desires, acquisition, affliction, pride, belittling others, desire for acknowledgement and admiration and stinginess. Refuge is sought from these in Allah, manifested in different ways – by having trust in Allah, remembering Allah and accountability, recognising less is more, seeing the good in a situation, having humanity, considering the honour of others and having humility and generosity. Sura Introduction from:
/episode/index/show/547e6085-3aae-45d0-98f0-3d78b6433273/id/27345516
info_outline
113 – Al Falaq[1-5]
07/01/2023
113 – Al Falaq[1-5]
113 – Al Falaq – The Daybreak Sura Al Naas and Sura Al Falaq are known as Maudhatayn (The two protectors). Both were revealed simultaneously. Between Al Falaq and Al Naas there are 5 ‘sharrs’ (evils – that which cause harm) from which protection is sought. This sura acknowledges Allah’s power to bring light into the darkness and discusses seeking refuge in Him from the potential of the evil of creation, utter darkness (ignorance), ‘blowing on knots’ (sorcery) and from those who are jealous. Sura Introduction from:
/episode/index/show/547e6085-3aae-45d0-98f0-3d78b6433273/id/27345510
info_outline
112 – Al Ikhlaas[1-4]
07/01/2023
112 – Al Ikhlaas[1-4]
112 – Al Ikhlaas – The Purity of Belief The constant question of ‘who is Allah?’ Is answered by saying that Allah is: ‘Al-Ahad’ – The Unique ‘Al-Samad’ – eternal One who does not father nor is fathered and One who is incomparable and has no equal. The aim is to transcend the relative and submit and fall in love with The Absolute Reality. Sura Introduction from:
/episode/index/show/547e6085-3aae-45d0-98f0-3d78b6433273/id/27345504
info_outline
111 – Al Lahab[1-5]
07/01/2023
111 – Al Lahab[1-5]
111 – Al Lahab – The Flame Abu Lahab, the father of flames, and his wife are used as an example of people who believed that they were independent of God, He had wealth, power, arrogance and a tongue as hot and sharp as flames. They used this to torment the Prophet and destroyed themselves in the process, teaching that by starting a fire harassing others, one can find oneself in one’s own fire and neither wealth nor power will assist. Sura Introduction from:
/episode/index/show/547e6085-3aae-45d0-98f0-3d78b6433273/id/27345498
info_outline
110 – Al Nasr[1-3]
07/01/2023
110 – Al Nasr[1-3]
110 – Al Nasr – The Divine Help The chapter celebrates the unique conquest of Makka where there was no bloodshed, safety for all and the cleansing of the Ka’ba of its idols. The majority of the region’s tribes had converted to Islam. The chapter therefore begins with the cleansing of the external house (The Ka’ba) and ends with a directive of how to celebrate this victory which can only be done with the purification of the internal house (the heart) with declaring His perfection, gratitude and praise of Divinity and seeking forgiveness. We manifest the directive of this sura in the two prostrations in Salaa. In Sajda we declare His perfection with Sub-haan and express our gratitude and praise with His Hamd. In between the prostrations we ask for forgiveness through Istighfaar. Sura Introduction from:
/episode/index/show/547e6085-3aae-45d0-98f0-3d78b6433273/id/27345492
info_outline
109 – Al Kaafirun[1-6]
07/01/2023
109 – Al Kaafirun[1-6]
109 – Al Kaafirun – Those Who Cover Up The whole chapter is a direct address to those who defiantly covered up the truth and rejected Divine guidance. It was revealed in response to a proposal from the leaders of Makka, who approached the Prophet and offered a compromise of worshipping each others Gods in alternate years and/or to abandon his religion in exchange for wealth, women and position. The Quraysh did not reject the concept of a Divine Creator but they did not wish to be dictated by Divinity and wished to make up their own rules. The Prophet went up to them and addressed them with this chapter, creating a unique identity based on religion (deen – that which one has based his life on). Sura Introduction from:
/episode/index/show/547e6085-3aae-45d0-98f0-3d78b6433273/id/27345483
info_outline
108 – Al Kawthar[1-3]
07/01/2023
108 – Al Kawthar[1-3]
108 – Al Kawthar – The Positive Abundance It was a fundamental Arab goal to have sons. Father and sons would raid other tribes. Fathers considered their daughters a burden because they could not fight and risked falling into enemy hands, which would tarnish the tribes honour. This mindset caused the Makkan men to assume that Islam would endure only in name after the Prophet’s death as he had no son to protect his legacy. The Prophet (pbuh) had a son called Ibraheem, born to Maria Qibtiyya who died when he was 18 months old. His two sons from Sayyida Khadija (Qasim & Tahir) had also died in infancy. Some people including his uncle Abu Lahab taunted him, calling him ‘Abtar’ which means an animal without a tail – one who had no succession. The pain of losing his son was extenuated by those who celebrated saying his legacy would die with him. This chapter was revealed in reply to those who taunted the Prophet (pbuh) and gives consolation to him and expounds on the immense favours given to him which would be timeless and immeasurable. His succession and legacy of the Ahlulbayt through Sayyida Fatima, the Qur’an and the stream of Kawthar in Janna. Sura Introduction from:
/episode/index/show/547e6085-3aae-45d0-98f0-3d78b6433273/id/27345468
info_outline
107 – Al Maa’un[1-7]
07/01/2023
107 – Al Maa’un[1-7]
107 – Al Maa’un – The Smallest Act of Kindness The chapter takes its name from the word Maa’un in the last verse which means ‘the plate upon which food is served’ and in its broader sense any act of kindness, charity or assistance. A narration states that Abu Sufyan was in the habit of slaughtering two camels every week. One day an orphan came asking him for something and he responded by hitting him with a stick. The chapter admonishes those who do not themselves feed the needy and those who encourage others not to either. If they do pray or do good it is only to increase their reputation. Sura Introduction from:
/episode/index/show/547e6085-3aae-45d0-98f0-3d78b6433273/id/27345462
info_outline
106 – Al Quraysh[1-4]
07/01/2023
106 – Al Quraysh[1-4]
106 – Al Quraysh – The Quraysh Al Quraysh is a Makki chapter which takes its name from the people of Makka. The first two verses are a reminder to the Quraysh of the blessings they have received from Divinity as a means of sustenance. The last two verses provide the central theme of the chapter in submitting to Divinity from whom all prosperity and protection comes. Sura Introduction from:
/episode/index/show/547e6085-3aae-45d0-98f0-3d78b6433273/id/27345456
info_outline
105 – Al Feel[1-5]
07/01/2023
105 – Al Feel[1-5]
105 – Al Feel – The Elephant The chapter takes its title from the discussion of the companions of the elephant whose destruction it relates. The general who ruled Yemen named Abraha, had built an opulent church in Sana’a in order to divert pilgrims from the Ka’ba in Makka. A narration states that a few members of the Quraysh had gone to Yemen and defiled the church. When the the visitations to the Ka’ba were not abandoned, he sent an army with an elephant to destroy the Ka’ba. Divinity protected the Ka’ba by sending a swarm of birds that pelted the army destroying them. This chapter and the next (Al Quraysh 106) are a pair which together are a warning to the Quraysh that they were protected not because of their status but because Allah wished to protect the Ka’ba and to make way for the coming of His final messenger. Sura Introduction from:
/episode/index/show/547e6085-3aae-45d0-98f0-3d78b6433273/id/27345453
info_outline
104 – Al Humazaa[1-9]
07/01/2023
104 – Al Humazaa[1-9]
104 – Al Humazaa – The Backbiters The chapter takes its title from the condemnation of every slandering backbiter in the first verse. It is a personality trait of one who amasses wealth and is overly concerned with others; finding flaws or making them up to cover his own weaknesses and insecurities. The chapter ends with the punishment that awaits the one who destroys another character and integrity for personal gain. Sura Introduction from:
/episode/index/show/547e6085-3aae-45d0-98f0-3d78b6433273/id/27345444
info_outline
103 – Al ‘Asr[1-3]
07/01/2023
103 – Al ‘Asr[1-3]
103 – Al ‘Asr – The Time Time is the greatest evidence of loss and the witness of one’s life works. Time is the object of the oath. The sura encapsulates success in three verses. Successful time management is described as: Having faith in Divinity. Manifesting the faith as good deeds (serving humanity). Counselling one another to the truth (the right thing to do). Counselling one another to persevere and patience (in standing for the truth). The word wa (which means ‘and’) between each of the 4 conditions denotes that all four are necessary for success. When the companions of the Prophet (pbuh) used to meet one another, they only departed until one of them recited Suratul ‘Asr to the other and they bid peace upon one another. They did not want to forget or become heedless of the essential message of success. Sura Introduction from:
/episode/index/show/547e6085-3aae-45d0-98f0-3d78b6433273/id/27345438
info_outline
102 – Al Takaathur[1-8]
07/01/2023
102 – Al Takaathur[1-8]
102 – Al Takaathur – The Negative Abundance The chapter takes its title from the first verse which begins with the distraction from reality that the competition of wanting more wealth and children does. Historically it referred to the clans of the Quraysh who competing with each other even counted their dead to prove that they were greater in the size of their clans. The first two verses speak of the delusion of hoarding wealth whilst the remaining verses promise that those who persist in such behaviour will bear the consequences of the fire with certainty. Sura Introduction from:
/episode/index/show/547e6085-3aae-45d0-98f0-3d78b6433273/id/27345426
info_outline
101 – Al Qaariaah[1-11]
07/01/2023
101 – Al Qaariaah[1-11]
101 – Al Qaariaah – The Calamity The chapter begins with the total chaos on the day of judgement starting with the disturbing noise of an explosion which will send shock waves. Human beings will be confused and dispersed like moths and all stability will be lost (metaphor of mountains becoming weightless like carded wool). The last six verses contrast the recompense of one whose scales are heavy with good deeds to the one whose scales are light. Sura Introduction from:
/episode/index/show/547e6085-3aae-45d0-98f0-3d78b6433273/id/27345411
info_outline
100 – Al ‘Aadiyaat[1-11]
07/01/2023
100 – Al ‘Aadiyaat[1-11]
100 – Al ‘Aadiyaat – The Competing Horses The sura begins with five oaths by various forms of charging horses which was an attention seeking scenario. Their passion was battle horses in battle just as today there is fast car racing. The next three verses discuss the human being and his ingratitude towards Allah. The focus is that the human being is motivated when it comes to competing in worldly endeavours but there is a lack of motivation in pursuing humanitarian and spiritual ventures. The last three verses warn that Allah is aware of all things and that on the day of judgement one will have to answer for what lies within one’s chest. Begins with one who doesn’t care about consequences – ends with Divinity’s awareness of all intentions and actions. Sura Introduction from:
/episode/index/show/547e6085-3aae-45d0-98f0-3d78b6433273/id/27345396
info_outline
099 – Al Zilzaal[1-8]
07/01/2023
099 – Al Zilzaal[1-8]
099 – Al Zilzaal – The Earthquake The chapter takes its name from the reference to the repeatedly violent shaking of the earth in the first verse after which it will expel all her burdens as ordered by Allah. The last three verses detail the final judgement in which every good and evil deed will be exposed. The Prophet said; ”Be aware of the sins that are belittled, for indeed they will be taken into account by Allah.” Sura Introduction from:
/episode/index/show/547e6085-3aae-45d0-98f0-3d78b6433273/id/27345387
info_outline
098 – Al Bayyina[1-8]
07/01/2023
098 – Al Bayyina[1-8]
098 – Al Bayyina – The Clear Evidence The chapter begins with an assertion that those who covered up the truth will not stop opposing the Prophet until there was clear indisputable evidence. Divinity responds with Bayyina (Undisputable clear evidence) which is a flawless Prophet reciting Divine signs with such clarity that there was no room for ambiguity. The chapter ends contrasting the fate of those who covered up the truth and opposed to the `prophet to those who believed. Sura Introduction from:
/episode/index/show/547e6085-3aae-45d0-98f0-3d78b6433273/id/27345375
info_outline
097 – Al Qadr[1-5]
07/01/2023
097 – Al Qadr[1-5]
097 – Al Qadr – The Measure / Decree The sura focuses on the night of Qadr which is the inauguration of the revelation of the Qur’an when a speck of Divinity came down to the earth. The Qur’an was revealed on the night of Qadr as a whole to the Prophets heart (26:193,194) and then piecemeal over the next 23 years as the occasion demanded. The magnitude of the Message, the Messenger and the Time of the message is immeasurable. The night is described to be better than an 1000 months which is figuratively better than a lifetime. The angelic forces bring limitless opportunities with the heart of the human being opening according to his capacity and his aspirations to reach his full potential. All affairs for the year are decreed on that night and there is peace (a realisation of safety and serenity in both the worlds) on this night until daybreak. It is said to be any odd night in the last 10 days of Ramadhan, with greater emphasis on the 23rd night. Sura Introduction from:
/episode/index/show/547e6085-3aae-45d0-98f0-3d78b6433273/id/27345357
info_outline
096 – Al ‘Alaq[1-19]
07/01/2023
096 – Al ‘Alaq[1-19]
096 – Al ‘Alaq – The Clot Which Clings The chapter begins with the first five verses revealed to the Prophet through the angel Jibraail in the cave of Hira on the mountain of light where he used to go to meditate. This began the journey of the revelation of the Qur’an. The chapter starts with an exhortation of reading, learning and writing for closeness to Allah is only achieved through knowledge and understanding. It continues with the cause of rebelliousness which is arrogance and a lack of intellectual humility when approaching Divine words. A historical example of one who perceived himself to be independent of Divinity follows with the consequences of his actions. Finally the sura ends with the order to prostrate in total submission. This is an obligatory sajda of recitation (verse 19). Sura Introduction from:
/episode/index/show/547e6085-3aae-45d0-98f0-3d78b6433273/id/27345345
info_outline
095 – Al Teen[1-9]
07/01/2023
095 – Al Teen[1-9]
095 – Al Teen – The Fig Among the Arabs of that era, figs and olives held a distinguished and unique place. The fig tree and the olive tree are both known for their resilience. The chapter’s first two oaths point out that these plants have the best ‘taqweem’ (best of moulds) to rise, be strong and grow in perfection. Mt Sinai and Makka in the next two oaths are the regions from where most of the Prophets (best of human beings). The conclusion to the oaths follows in that the human being has been created in the best of moulds (taqweem which connotes a state of growing, rising and perfection) but can descend to be the lowest except for those who believe and manifest their belief in serving humanity – a message similar to Suratul ‘Asr (103). The reward is in proportion to the ascension. The chapter ends with reminder that Allah’s ‘hukm’ is the law and order he has devised for human beings and we will reap what we sow. Sura Introduction from:
/episode/index/show/547e6085-3aae-45d0-98f0-3d78b6433273/id/27345330
info_outline
094 – Al Inshiraah[1-8]
07/01/2023
094 – Al Inshiraah[1-8]
094 – Al Inshiraah – The Expansion The chapter is a continuation of Sura Al Dhuhaa (93) and begins with a reminder of the blessing that Allah has bestowed upon the Prophet of strengthening him spiritually to be able to undertake the mammoth task of conveying the Divine message. This is followed by the reassurance that every difficulty is co joined with two eases and the command to continually strive in His way towards one’s full potential. Sura Introduction from:
/episode/index/show/547e6085-3aae-45d0-98f0-3d78b6433273/id/27345312
info_outline
093 – Al Dhuhaa[1-11]
07/01/2023
093 – Al Dhuhaa[1-11]
093 – Al Dhuhaa – The Early Morning Light The chapter begins with an oath on the soothing morning light akin to revelation. The next oath is about the stillness of the night when it comes alluding to the period of time when there was a pause in revelation which saddened the Prophet. The wife of Abu Lahab – Umm Jameela taunted him telling him that his God had forsaken him. The chapter continues with an assertion from Divinity that He has not abandoned him nor is He unhappy with him. It continues to remind the Prophet of Allah’s limitless grace and support for him. The main theme of the chapter is consolation to the Prophet ending with an exhortation to care for the orphans, never to rebuke the one who asks and to proclaim Divine blessings. Sura Introduction from:
/episode/index/show/547e6085-3aae-45d0-98f0-3d78b6433273/id/27345309
info_outline
092 – Al Layl[1-21]
07/01/2023
092 – Al Layl[1-21]
092 – Al Layl – The Night The first two oaths of the contrasting day and night allude to the third oath which draws our attention to the diverse deeds of the human being which are the sum total of our endeavours. The virtues of generosity, God consciousness and beauty of morals values facilitate ease whilst stinginess, a perception of independence of Divinity and rejection of righteousness leads to hardship. The chapter clearly lays out two paths – good and evil and the free will and knowledge granted to human beings to make a choice. It ends with the consequences of these two diverse courses. Sura Introduction from:
/episode/index/show/547e6085-3aae-45d0-98f0-3d78b6433273/id/27345300
info_outline
091 – Al Shams[1-15]
07/01/2023
091 – Al Shams[1-15]
091 – Al Shams – The Sun The chapter begins with seven oaths; six phenomena to do with the Sun paving the way for the existence of the human being in the seventh. Allah swears by the sun’s brightness, the moon that follows it, the day that reveals it, the night that hides it, the sky that holds it, the heavens and Earth, and the perfection and complexity of the soul. There is an ability to choose between good and evil. The soul can succeed through good and fail through evil. A historical example of the people of Thamud is given who rejected the truth because of their arrogance. The whole community suffered as a consequence. Sura Introduction from:
/episode/index/show/547e6085-3aae-45d0-98f0-3d78b6433273/id/27345288
info_outline
090 – Al Balad[1-20]
07/01/2023
090 – Al Balad[1-20]
090 – Al Balad – The City The chapter takes its title from ‘This Land’ – with reference to the city of Makka – the focal point towards which all Muslims turn to (although it could refer to the earth in totality). Then the best of cities is followed by an oath of the best of human beings – the Prophet as its resident. Then every parent and child leads into the answer to the oath that every human being is created in a state of struggle and hardship. It then reproaches the human being for failing to put his faculties and wealth to proper use by thinking that he is not accountable. He wastes his wealth and boasts about it. Divinity reminds him that he is watched, This is followed by instructions as to how one should act describing the path as a steep difficult road entailing some of the challenges – to free one who is shackled, feeding on days of hunger, assisting orphans and the destitute. The chapter ends with a contrast between the companions of the right hand who advise to patience, perseverance, compassion and forgiveness and the companions of the left who cover up this truth. Sura Introduction from:
/episode/index/show/547e6085-3aae-45d0-98f0-3d78b6433273/id/27345279
info_outline
089 – Al Fajr[1-30]
07/01/2023
089 – Al Fajr[1-30]
089 – Al Fajr – The Dawn The chapter begins with a series of oath to reflect on starting with the dawn which denotes a beginning, followed by 10 nights without the definite Al and therefore could have several connotations. The even and the odd may refer to the merging of duality into one in the night prayer and finally the night when it departs suggesting that all creation is in constant motion and ignorance departs when we awaken to the dawn of reality. The destruction of Aad, Thamud and Firawn because of their arrogance and corruption follows with a discussion of the tendency of the human being to relate wealth and ease to honour from Divinity. A rebuke to the stingy who do not honour the orphan, or encourage the feeding of the poor, eating the inheritance of others and loving wealth with excessive love. There follows the regret of the defiant rejectors of Divinity and finally an address to the tranquil soul who returns to His Master having reached his full potential and gains the acceptance and pleasure of Divinity with an invitation to enter into His Janna. Sura Introduction from:
/episode/index/show/547e6085-3aae-45d0-98f0-3d78b6433273/id/27345276
info_outline
088 – Al Ghaashiya[1-26]
07/01/2023
088 – Al Ghaashiya[1-26]
088 – Al Ghaashiya – That Which Covers Entirely The chapter begins with a comparison of the torments suffered in the fire of those who rejected Divinity and accountability to the bliss of the gardens enjoyed by those who submitted to Divinity. In essence a tour of Jahannam and Janna. It then directs the reader to reflect on Allah’s creation from the camel to the raising of the skies, stability of the mountains and spreading of the earth. The chapter concludes by reminding the Prophet that he is a warner and not responsible for those who defiantly refuse to accept Divine guidance. Sura Introduction from:
/episode/index/show/547e6085-3aae-45d0-98f0-3d78b6433273/id/27345270
info_outline
087 – Al A’laa[1-19]
07/01/2023
087 – Al A’laa[1-19]
087 – Al A’laa – The Most High The chapter begins with an order to glorify (declare the perfection of ) Allah whilst reflecting on His Creative Ability and perfection and guidance for each human being to reach His full potential. This is followed by an order to continuously remind the human being of purpose of life as it serves as a benefit. The chapter then continues to show the contrast between those who heed the Qur’an and those who don’t concluding with a warning to those who prefer the world. Finally, there is an affirmation of the timeless universal message of the Qur’an which is also found in previous revelations. Sura Introduction from:
/episode/index/show/547e6085-3aae-45d0-98f0-3d78b6433273/id/27345267
info_outline
086 – Al Taariq[1-17]
07/01/2023
086 – Al Taariq[1-17]
086 – Al Taariq – The Brilliant Star The chapter begins with oaths on the sky and the brilliant laser sharp night star implying that that the sky is a witness and the night star both guidance and a witness akin to a camera in the sky. Within every soul is a beacon that emits light energy that penetrates everything. A reflection on the origin of the human being as he forgets his beginning continues to his return to Divinity and the exposure and testing of all secrets. 2 more oaths on the rain giving skies and the splitting of the earth leads into a final warning not to the the Quran lightly and an address to the Prophet to leave the rejectors of truth to Divinity to sort out. Sura Introduction from:
/episode/index/show/547e6085-3aae-45d0-98f0-3d78b6433273/id/27345261
info_outline
085 – Al Burooj[1-22]
07/01/2023
085 – Al Burooj[1-22]
085 – Al Burooj – The Forts in the Heavens The chapter begins with a short series of oaths on the tall forts of angels in the skies who will come out row after row on the day of Qiyama. The axis of the chapter is verse 3 “I swear by the witness and the witnessed” which emphasises that everything is witnessed. It summarises the core beliefs in Allah, angels, the Messengers, the Qur’an and the Day of Qiyama. All are witnesses and are witnessed at different times. It is followed by the story of the companions of the pit who were from Yemen who persecuted those who believed by throwing them into a pit of fire. Their crime was witnessed and will be dealt with justly. The consequence of Jahannam as a result of those who are unjust and do not repent is contrasted to the recompense of Janna for those who believe and manifest their belief with righteous deeds. The awesome attributes of Divinity follow – The Originator, The Oft Forgiving, The Loving, The Master of the Throne Who does what He wills. Then the story of Pharaoh and Thamud whose arrogance was ultimately destroyed. Finally, the gloriousness of the Qur’an preserved for eternity. Sura Introduction from:
/episode/index/show/547e6085-3aae-45d0-98f0-3d78b6433273/id/27345252