Overview - Surah 34: Saba' ([The People of] Saba)
The Surah answers some of the objections raised by the non-believers about Tawhid, Risalah and Akhirah. It also speaks about Prophets David and Solomon and the Queen of Sheba to remind people about the consequences of evils as well as righteousness.
Sections:
- The Day of Judgment will surely come.
- Allah's favors on Prophets David and Solomon. Allah's judgment on the people of Saba'.
- Shirk will be of no use on the Day of Judgment. Prophet Muhammad is sent for all people.
- The wrong leaders will leave their followers on the Day of Judgment, the discussion of their mutual recrimination.
- Material riches do not necessarily bring you closer to Allah.
- The truth will prosper.
Surah Saba' takes its name after the People of Saba', لَقَدْ كَانَ لِسَبَإٍ فِي مَسْكَنِهِمْ آيَةٌ ۖ جَنَّتَانِ عَن يَمِينٍ وَشِمَالٍ ۖ كُلُوا مِن رِّزْقِ رَبِّكُمْ وَاشْكُرُوا لَهُ ۚ بَلْدَةٌ طَيِّبَةٌ وَرَبٌّ غَفُورٌ "There was for [the tribe of] Saba' in their dwelling place a sign: two [fields of] gardens on the right and on the left. [They were told], "Eat from the provisions of your Lord and be grateful to Him. A good land [have you], and a forgiving Lord." (34:15)
There are 54 Ayat in this Surah.
Overview
| Total Ayat | 54 |
| Total Words * | 883 |
| Root Words * | 229 |
| Makki / Madani | Makki |
| Chronological Order* | 58th (according to Ibn Abbas) |
| Year of Revelation* | |
| Events during/before this Surah*
N/A
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| Events during/after still to occur*
N/A
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| Names of Prophets Mentioned
Dawud, Sulayman
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| Surah Index
God (knows that beyond comprehension) , Angels, Astronomy (objects impacting Earth) , Birds, Charity, Children, David, Earthquake, Hell, Iblis, Jinn, Judgement (Day) , Knowledge, Metallurgy (molten copper) , Mountains, Nuclear physics (things smaller than an atom (originally meant as ant?)) , Qur’an, Resurrection (of humans) , Sheba, Solomon, Solomon (discovery of the death of) , Weather (wind)
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The Surah deals with those objections of the disbelievers which they were raising against the Prophet’s message of Monotheism (Tawhid), the Hereafter and about his Prophethood itself. This was mostly in the form of absurd allegations, taunts and mockery. These objections have been answered sometimes by citing them and sometimes without citing them while the discourse itself shows which objection is being answered at a particular place. The answers mostly take the form of instruction and admonition and argument but at some places the disbelievers have been warned also of the evil consequences of their stubbornness. In this connection the stories of the Sabaeans and the Prophets David and Solomon have been related to impress this lesson: “You have both these historical precedents before you. On the one hand there were the Prophets David and Solomon who had been blessed by God with great powers and such grandeur and glory as had been granted to hardly any people before them. In spite of this they were not proud and arrogant but remained grateful servants of their Lord. They were never rebellious. On the other hand there were the people of Saba who when blessed by God became proud and were consequently so thoroughly destroyed and dispersed as to be remembered only in myths and legends. With these precedents in view you may see and judge for yourselves as to which bind of the life is better: that which is built on belief in Monotheism (Tawhid), the Hereafter and the attitude of gratefulness to God or that which is based on disbelief, polytheism (shirk), denial of the Hereafter and the worship of the world.”
Manuscripts / Inscriptions
- Wind ريح - In Surah al-Ahzab (33) and Surah Saba' (34) there is a mention of the usage of the 'wind' In Surah al-Ahzab, إِذْ جَاءَتْكُمْ جُنُودٌ فَأَرْسَلْنَا عَلَيْهِمْ رِيحًا وَجُنُودًا لَّمْ تَرَوْهَا "....We sent upon them a wind and armies [of angels] you did not see...." (33:9). In Surah Saba' وَلِسُلَيْمَانَ الرِّيحَ غُدُوُّهَا شَهْرٌ وَرَوَاحُهَا شَهْرٌ "And to Solomon [We subjected] the wind - its morning [journey was that of] a month - and its afternoon [journey was that of] a month..." (34:12)
- Purposes of sending the Prophet أَرْسَلْنَاكَ. Allah says in Surah al-Ahzab (33), يَا أَيُّهَا النَّبِيُّ إِنَّا أَرْسَلْنَاكَ شَاهِدًا وَمُبَشِّرًا وَنَذِيرًا ﴿٤٥﴾ وَدَاعِيًا إِلَى اللَّـهِ بِإِذْنِهِ وَسِرَاجًا مُّنِيرًا "O Prophet, indeed We have sent you as a witness and a bringer of good tidings and a warner. And one who invites to Allah, by His permission, and an illuminating lamp." (33:45-46)
In Surah Saba' (34) Allah says, وَمَا أَرْسَلْنَاكَ إِلَّا كَافَّةً لِّلنَّاسِ بَشِيرًا وَنَذِيرًا وَلَـٰكِنَّ أَكْثَرَ النَّاسِ لَا يَعْلَمُونَ "And We have not sent you except to all mankind as a bringer of good tidings and a warner. But most of the people do not know." (34:28)
- Relationship between the Leadership and the Masses. In Surah al-Ahzab (33), Allah says, "The Day their faces will be turned about in the Fire, they will say, "How we wish we had obeyed Allah and obeyed the Messenger. And they will say, "Our Lord, indeed we obeyed our masters and our dignitaries, and they led us astray from the [right] way. Our Lord, give them double the punishment and curse them with a great curse." (33:66-68). In Surah Saba' (33), Allah says, " And those who disbelieve say, "We will never believe in this Qur'an nor in that before it." But if you could see when the wrongdoers are made to stand before their Lord, refuting each other's words... Those who were oppressed will say to those who were arrogant, "If not for you, we would have been believers." Those who were arrogant will say to those who were oppressed, "Did we avert you from guidance after it had come to you? Rather, you were criminals." Those who were oppressed will say to those who were arrogant, "Rather, [it was your] conspiracy of night and day when you were ordering us to disbelieve in Allah and attribute to Him equals." But they will [all] confide regret when they see the punishment; and We will put shackles on the necks of those who disbelieved. Will they be recompensed except for what they used to do?" (34:31-33)
- Both Surah Saba' (34) and al-Fatir (35) begin with the words "Alhamdulillah" All praise is for Allah....
- No control of even an atom/speck of dust. Allah Almighty says in Surah Saba', قُلِ ادْعُوا الَّذِينَ زَعَمْتُم مِّن دُونِ اللَّـهِ ۖ لَا يَمْلِكُونَ مِثْقَالَ ذَرَّةٍ فِي السَّمَاوَاتِ وَلَا فِي الْأَرْضِ وَمَا لَهُمْ فِيهِمَا مِن شِرْكٍ وَمَا لَهُ مِنْهُم مِّن ظَهِيرٍ "Say, [O Muhammad], "Invoke those you claim [as deities] besides Allah." They do not possess an atom's weight [of ability] in the heavens or on the earth, and they do not have therein any partnership [with Him], nor is there for Him from among them any assistant." (34:22). In the following Surah, al-Fatir, Allah Almighty says, وَالَّذِينَ تَدْعُونَ مِن دُونِهِ مَا يَمْلِكُونَ مِن قِطْمِيرٍ "....And those whom you invoke other than Him do not possess [as much as] the membrane of a date seed." (35:13)
- Plotting/scheming. Allah Almighty says in Surah Saba' (34), وَقَالَ الَّذِينَ اسْتُضْعِفُوا لِلَّذِينَ اسْتَكْبَرُوا بَلْ مَكْرُ اللَّيْلِ وَالنَّهَارِ إِذْ تَأْمُرُونَنَا أَن نَّكْفُرَ بِاللَّـهِ وَنَجْعَلَ لَهُ أَندَادًا "Those who were oppressed will say to those who were arrogant, "Rather, [it was your] conspiracy of night and day when you were ordering us to disbelieve in Allah and attribute to Him equals...." (34:33)
In Surah al-Fatir, Allah Almighty says in two different Ayaat, وَالَّذِينَ يَمْكُرُونَ السَّيِّئَاتِ لَهُمْ عَذَابٌ شَدِيدٌ ۖ وَمَكْرُ أُولَـٰئِكَ هُوَ يَبُورُ " ....but they who plot evil deeds will have a severe punishment, and the plotting of those - it will perish." (35:10) and اسْتِكْبَارًا فِي الْأَرْضِ وَمَكْرَ السَّيِّئِ ۚ وَلَا يَحِيقُ الْمَكْرُ السَّيِّئُ إِلَّا بِأَهْلِهِ "[Due to] arrogance in the land and plotting of evil; but the evil plot does not encompass except its own people...." (35:43)
- The Hour. There is a reference to the Hour and the end of Surah al-Ahzab (33) and the beginning of Surah Saba (34).
يَسْأَلُكَ النَّاسُ عَنِ السَّاعَةِ ۖ قُلْ إِنَّمَا عِلْمُهَا عِندَ اللَّـهِ ۚ وَمَا يُدْرِيكَ لَعَلَّ السَّاعَةَ تَكُونُ قَرِيبًا "People ask you concerning the Hour. Say," Knowledge of it is only with Allah. And what may make you perceive? Perhaps the Hour is near." (33:63)
وَقَالَ الَّذِينَ كَفَرُوا لَا تَأْتِينَا السَّاعَةُ ۖ قُلْ بَلَىٰ وَرَبِّي لَتَأْتِيَنَّكُمْ عَالِمِ الْغَيْبِ ۖ لَا يَعْزُبُ عَنْهُ مِثْقَالُ ذَرَّةٍ فِي السَّمَاوَاتِ وَلَا فِي الْأَرْضِ وَلَا أَصْغَرُ مِن ذَٰلِكَ وَلَا أَكْبَرُ إِلَّا فِي كِتَابٍ مُّبِينٍ
"But those who disbelieve say, "The Hour will not come to us." Say, "Yes, by my Lord, it will surely come to you. [Allah is] the Knower of the unseen." Not absent from Him is an atom's weight within the heavens or within the earth or [what is] smaller than that or greater, except that it is in a clear register -" (34:3).
Total Word Count per Ayat (shows how many words per Ayat) = * | ||
- The Day of Resurrection is sure to come for Allah's Judgement to reward the believers and punish the disbelievers.
- Those who do not believe in the hereafter are doomed.
- The mountains and birds used to sing Allah's praises with the Prophet Dawood.
- Allah subjected the winds and Jinns to the Prophet Sulaiman.
- Intercession before Allah can not avail anyone except for whom He permits.
- Muhammad (pbuh) is sent as a Rasool for the whole of mankind.
- Wealth and children are a test to whom they are given.
- Whatever you spend in charity, Allah will pay you back in full.
- The truth has come, falsehood neither originates nor restores anything.
- On the Day of Judgement disbelievers will wish that they were believers.
Tafsir Zone
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Sayyid Qutb Overview (Verses 24 - 27) Either One or the Other That was the first note of this splendid and awe-inspiring scene. The second note refers to the provisions granted to them. Although they are oblivious to the source that gives them their provisions, the fact that they have them proves His oneness and that no one else has any control over what He decides to give or deny. “Say: ‘Who is it that gives you sustenance out of the heavens and the earth?’ Say: it is God; and either we or you are on the right path or have clearly gone astray!’“ (Verse 24) Providing sustenance is something people know about as it happens in their lives. It comes from heaven in the form of rain, heat and light, which were known to the people addressed first by the Qur’ān, but also in other forms and shapes which man discovers at one time or another. Other sustenance comes from the earth in the form of plants, animals, water, oils, metals and treasure. Much of these were known to the people of olden days and much is discovered as time passes on. The question is: “Who is it that gives you sustenance out of the heavens and the earth?” The answer is not awaited. In fact, the Prophet is told to say: “It is God.” They cannot argue about this or make any contrary claim. What the Prophet is also instructed to do is to leave matters entirely to God concerning the fates of both parties. One party is inevitably right and the other wrong; one is guided aright and the other is in error. The two cannot be together either on the track of proper guidance or of going astray: “Either we or you are on the right path or have clearly gone astray!” (Verse 24) This is the ultimate in fairness and politeness when arguing one’s case. For God’s Messenger to say to the idolaters that either party could be following right guidance leaves the question open as to who is on which side: this, thus, calls for cool reflection and reasonable deliberation. There is no room for futile argument or an illogical hardening of attitude. The Prophet is given instructions to say this to them as his role is that of a guide and a teacher hoping that they will see the truth of the guidance he brings them. He is not out to score a point or win an argument. Arguments made in such a polite and inspiring manner are more likely to have a positive effect on those whose position in society prompts them to take a hard line to the message of truth. They may even show a willingness to consider and reflect at ease. It is exactly the approach that should be adopted by advocates of Islam everywhere. The third note puts everyone before their actions and responsibilities, but again using the most polite and fair approach: “Say: Neither shall you be called to account for whatever we have become guilty of nor shall we be called to account for whatever you are doing.” (Verse 25) This might have been in answer to the repeated accusations of the idolaters branding the Prophet and his Companions as guilty and in the wrong. They had in this respect berated them for renouncing their forefathers’ religion. This happens all the time, when the followers of falsehood accuse the followers of truth of being in error. Hence, the Prophet is instructed to tell them in exemplary politeness that everyone is responsible for his or her own deeds: “Say: Neither shall you be called to account for whatever we have become guilty of, nor shall we be called to account for whatever you are doing.” (Verse 25) Everyone must reflect and determine whether their attic tide will lead them to success or bring about their ruin. This is the first step towards recognizing the truth before attaining conviction. The fourth note is given in the verse that says: “Say: Our Lord will bring us all together, and then He will lay open the truth between us, in justice. He alone is the One who opens all truth, the All-Knowing.” (26) At first, God gathers both the followers of truth and those who follow falsehood together, so that both truth and falsehood meet face to face. Then, the advocates of truth will call on others to join them. At this stage, issues become confused, and a battle ensues between truth and falsehood. Doubts may blur evidence, and falsehood may appear to gain the upper hand, but all this will be for a limited duration. Then, God will judge between the two parties in fairness and state the truth clearly, without any ambiguity or confusion. “He alone is the One who opens all truth, the All-Knowing.” (Verse 26) This gives reassurance since God is certain to make His judgement clear, laying the truth open before all. He does not allow matters to remain confused except for a limited period. He does not put the advocates of truth together with those who follow falsehood except to give the former a chance to carry on with their advocacy, exerting their best efforts. Then God will issue His verdict on both sides. It is He who knows best when the appropriate time for judgement comes. No one else should decide its timing, or hasten it. It is all left to Him. The final note in this passage sounds similar to the first one, throwing out a challenge to those who associated partners with him: “Say: Show me those whom you allege to be partners with Him. Nay! He alone is God, the Almighty, the Wise.” (Verse 27) The very request is sarcastic: demanding that they reveal the subject of their claims: who are they; what is their status, position and role; how did they merit such a position? All these questions betray an element of derision. This is followed by strong censure: “Nay!” They are not, and cannot be, God’s partners. “He alone is God, the Almighty, the Wise.” (Verse 27) The One who has such attributes has no partners of any sort. |
Ibn Kathir (English)
Sayyid Qutb
Sha'rawi
Al Jalalain
الطبري - جامع البيان
ابن كثير - تفسير القرآن العظيم
القرطبي - الجامع لأحكام
البغوي - معالم التنزيل
ابن أبي حاتم الرازي - تفسير القرآن
ابن عاشور - التحرير والتنوير
ابن القيم - تفسير ابن قيّم
السيوطي - الدر المنثور
الشنقيطي - أضواء البيان
ابن الجوزي - زاد المسير
الآلوسي - روح المعاني
ابن عطية - المحرر الوجيز
الرازي - مفاتيح الغيب
أبو السعود - إرشاد العقل السليم
الزمخشري - الكشاف
البقاعي - نظم الدرر
الهداية إلى بلوغ النهاية — مكي ابن أبي طالب
القاسمي - محاسن التأويل
الماوردي - النكت والعيون
السعدي - تيسير الكريم الرحمن
عبد الرحمن الثعالبي - الجواهر الحسان
السمرقندي - بحر العلوم
أبو إسحاق الثعلبي - الكشف والبيان
الشوكاني - فتح القدير
النيسابوري - التفسير البسيط
أبو حيان - البحر المحيط
البيضاوي - أنوار التنزيل
النسفي - مدارك التنزيل
ابن جُزَيّ - التسهيل لعلوم التنزيل
علي الواحدي النيسابوري - الوجيز
السيوطي - تفسير الجلالين
المختصر في التفسير — مركز تفسير
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- Surah 34. Saba - Saad al Ghamidi https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x_pkKrjMN_I&list=PLhM2xiAUdw2cAqW_o3zZkbhJNw0bnaBZN&index=34
- Surah 34. Saba Mahmoud Khalil Al Hussary https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=73uotTbuukw&list=PLxpAkjlGauHfMFWX22VZWOKpzjr-vH_BM&index=34
- Surah 34.Saba Muhammad Al Luhaydan https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_k5c8QNnVbg&list=PLxpAkjlGauHfKAYuQLRNAZomoezhfhRZe&index=34
- Surah 34.Saba - muhammad Minshawi https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Qh8S1BJUfCY&index=34&list=PLxpAkjlGauHdUcO_uc-8F8J2NUQRDZjPG
