Surah Dukhan
Surah Ad-Dukhan is the 44th chapter of the Holy Quran. It is a Makki surah, which means that it was revealed in Makkah, before the migration (Hijrah) to Madinah. It contains 59 verses and it is called Ad-Dukhan, which means The Smoke. The description of the clear smoke is found in verse 10, where Allah (SWT) mentions a clear smoke that will appear as one of the signs of His punishment. Allah (SWT) is Al-Ghafoor (The Most Forgiving One). This surah describes both the mercy of Allah (SWT) as well as clear warnings for those who reject the truth.
The Main Themes of Surah Ad-Dukhan
The surah teaches many important things for believers that contain faith and obedience.
- The Quran as Guidance: The surah opens with the Quran as guidance, and it is a clear book revealed on a blessed night. The blessed night is referred to as Laylat-ul-Qadr.
- The Warning of Smoke:For the disbelievers who continue in disbelief, a major sign of punishment (smoke) will appear.
- Pharaoh and His People: He recalls the story of Prophet Musa (Moses, peace be upon him) and how Pharaoh and his people were punished for arrogance.
- Day of Judgement: It contains a lengthy description of the Hereafter, the righteous in gardens of bliss, and the evil-doers severely punished.
The Blessed Night
Surah Dukhan narrates the greatest events of that night, named Laylat al-Qadr. This is the night of the revelation of the Holy Qur'an, and Allah (SWT) describes it as a night of mercy, a night of blessings, and a night of the whole of judgments; for on this night, angels descend, bringing decrees for the whole year. This means how Allah's mercy and wisdom are showered upon His servants.
The Smoke
The surah further gives a warning to the disbelievers about such a day when the heaven will fill them with a visible smoke. Actually, the very smoke will cover them and cause them tragedy, and some scholars interpret it as a particular historical famine affecting Makkah as a result of the prayers of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him). Others see such as a coming sign of the Day of Judgment.
What is Surah Ad-Dukhan about?
Surah Ad-Dukhan discusses the Quran being sent down on a blessed night; the warning of punishment via smoke, Pharaoh's arrogance, and what is the reward of a believer in contrast with the punishment of a disbeliever.
Why is it called Surah Ad-Dukhan?
It is called "Ad-Dukhan", meaning "The Smoke", because Allah (SWT) mentions in verse 10 a day in which smoke will appear as a sign of punishment for the disbelievers.
What lesson does Surah ad-Dukhan teach us?
The main lesson is to follow the guidance of the Quran, stay away from arrogance and disbelief, and prepare for the transition of the Hereafter. It reflects Allah's mercy to the righteous and His punishment for the arrogant.
What reward is promised for believers in Surah ad-Dukhan?
Allah (SWT) promises gardens of peace, blessings, and eternal happiness in Paradise for all who believe and remain firm in faith.