Surah Al-A‘rāf (الأعراف) – “The Heights” or “The Elevated Place” (Surah 7) with 206 verses (āyāt) spanned over Juzʼ 8—9 of Al-Qurʾān, is a powerful and lengthy Meccan surah that explores themes of divine guidance, human responsibility, and the rise and fall of past nations due to their rejection of prophets. Its name, "Al-A'raf", refers to a barrier or elevation—a symbolic place between Paradise and Hell, mentioned in verses 46–48.
The period of its revelation is about the same as that of Al-An'am, i. e., the last year of the Holy Prophet's life at Makkah. As both have the same historical background the reader should keep in view the preface to Al-An'am.
Context of Revelation
Surah Al-A'raf was revealed during a time of:
- Intensifying opposition to Prophet Muhammad ﷺ in Mecca.
- A need to strengthen the Prophet and believers with lessons from the past.
- A focus on the struggles between truth and falsehood, especially from the lives of previous prophets.
- It responds to idol-worshippers, moral decay, and arrogance of leadership—both then and as a timeless warning.
Overall Theme
The struggle between truth and falsehood, and the consequences of rejecting divine guidance. It emphasizes:
- The unity of the divine message
- The repetition of human mistakes
- The critical importance of heeding the message of prophets
Major Subjects Discussed
- Story of Adam and Iblis (Verses 11–27)
- The fall of Iblis due to arrogance and disobedience.
- Adam and Eve’s mistake and repentance.
- Lessons on human vulnerability and Satan’s ongoing deception.
- Importance of modesty, repentance, and avoiding arrogance.
- The People of the Heights (Al-A'raf) (Verses 46–49)
- A unique group who stand between Paradise and Hell.
- Possibly those whose deeds are evenly balanced or those awaiting judgment.
- Reflects the fairness and complexity of divine justice.
- Stories of Previous Prophets and Nations: A major part of the Surah tells the stories of past prophets to:
- Warn the Quraysh and future generations.
- Show that rejection of messengers leads to ruin.
- The stories included:
- Prophet Noah whose people rejected him and were thus destroyed by the great deluge
- Prophet Hud whom people of 'Aad rejected him and were destroyed by very fast winds
- Prophet Salih whom people of Thamud rejected and destroyed by earthquake
- Prophet Lot whom people of Sodom rejected him and did not refrain from their lewdness and homosexuality and were thus destroyed by shower of molten rocks from the sky
- Prophet Shu’ayb whom people of Midian rejected and were severly punished
- These stories emphasize:
- The unity of divine messages.
- The repeated patterns of human pride and denial.
- The consistent mercy and justice of Allah.
- Tawheed and Refutation of Shirk
- Strong arguments against idol worship are presented.
- Challenges to the illogic of polytheism.
- Encouragement to reflect on creation as evidence of one Creator.
- Warning to the Quraysh and Humanity
- The fate of previous nations is a clear warning.
- Repeated use of “afala ta‘qilun?” (Will you not reflect?) to urge thinking and humility.
- Free Will, Accountability, and Guidance
- People have the freedom to choose, but with consequences.
- Emphasis on the role of divine messengers in conveying truth.
- God does not destroy a people without clear warning.
- Call to Repentance and Submission
- The Surah ends with a majestic depiction of believers and their devotion to Allah.
- Urges patience, steadfastness, and turning away from arrogance.
Key Verses and Highlights
7:26 Modesty and clothing of righteousness
7:31 “Eat and drink, but do not be excessive” – moderation
7:56 “Do not spread corruption on earth after it has been set in order”
7:94–100 Pattern of nations destroyed after rejecting messengers
7:157 Describes the coming of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ in previous scriptures
7:180 “To Allah belong the Most Beautiful Names (Asma’ul Husna)...”
Spiritual and Moral Lessons
- Arrogance leads to downfall (like Iblis and Pharaoh).
- Truth is one, even if messengers differ.
- Every nation is tested, and denial has consequences.
- Believers must remain firm, even when truth is unpopular.
- Unity and sincerity are better than outward power or wealth.
Final Reflection
Surah Al-A‘raf is a wake-up call to individuals and societies. It invites deep self-examination, faith in divine justice, and the courage to stand with truth, even if the world opposes it.
“So take warning from the fate of those who denied before you. Indeed, the outcome of the wrongdoers is destruction.” (7:103)
We have already published detailed exegesis of the Surah which can be accessed from links given below:
We now share some of the verses from Surah Al-A'raf which have already been published covering some important messages:
- Is there a correlation between Qur'an Surah 7. Al A'raf verse 172 and Hadith of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ on Fitrah
- Our Lord! We have wronged ourselves. If You do not forgive us we shall surely be among the losers -verse 23
- O ye children of Adam! Wear Raiment of Modesty and Righteousness - verse 26
- Children of Adam! Beware of Satanic Machinations - verse 27
- Falsehood against Allah to justify one's sins - verse 28
- A comprehensive framework for what is forbidden in Islam - verse 33
- Do not make mischief in the earth - verse 56
- Believers!! Uphold Justice and do not spread corruption on earth -verse 85
- The Power of true faith induces strength to face demagogues without fear of retribution - verse 126
- Exclusive Supplication for Reverts for grant of Perseverance to defend their ultimate decision - verse 126
- Seek help from Allah and be steadfast - The end belongs to the God-fearing - verse 128
- Why Does Not Allah Show Himself in Islam? - Qur'an Explains - verse 143
- Prophetic Supplication attributed to Prophet Musa (Moses, AS) as mentioned in Qur'an - verse 155
- Who are even more astray like cattle - The utterly heedless - verse 179
- Most people are unaware of the reality (So be of the few and contended) - verse 187
- Important DOs/DONTs from Qur'an: Hold to Forgiveness - verse 199
- Etiquette of listening to Qur'an when it is being recited - verse 204
In time we will continue to add more selected verses from Surah .7 Al-A'raf for information of our readers.
May Allāh (سبحانه و تعالى) help us understand Qur'ān and follow the Sunnah of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ, which is embodiment of commandments of Allah contained in the Qur'ān. May Allah help us to be like the ones He loves and let our lives be lived helping others and not making others' lives miserable or unlivable. May all our wrong doings, whether intentional or unintentional, be forgiven before the angel of death knocks on our door.
وَمَا عَلَيۡنَاۤ اِلَّا الۡبَلٰغُ الۡمُبِيۡنُ
(36:17) and our duty is no more than to clearly convey the Message.”
That is Our duty is only to convey to you the message that Allah has entrusted us with. Then it is for you to accept it or reject it. We have not been made responsible for making you accept it forcibly, and if you do not accept it, we shall not be seized in consequence of your disbelief, you will yourselves be answerable for your actions on Day of Resurrection.
May Allah forgive me if my posts ever imply a piety far greater than I possess. I am most in need of guidance.
Reading the Qur'ān should be a daily obligation of a Muslim - Reading it with translation will make it meaningful. But reading its Exegesis / Tafsir will make you understand it fully. It will also help the Muslims to have grasp over social issues and their answers discussed in the Qur'an and other matter related to inter faith so that they are able to discuss issues with non-Muslims with authority based on refences from Qur'an.
Note: When we mention God in our posts, we mean One True God, we call Allah in Islam, with no associates. Allah is the Sole Creator of all things, and that Allah is all-powerful and all-knowing. Allah has no offspring, no race, no gender, no body, and is unaffected by the characteristics of human life.
Please refer to our exclusive reference page: Selected verses from selected Surahs of Al-Qurʾān for compiled verses from other surahs.
For more Selected Subjects, please refer to our reference page: Selected Verses from Al Qur'an about a Specific Subject (Reference Page) to know more about what Qur'an says about specific subjects and our reference page: Selected Verses from the Qur'an. .
An effort has been made to gather explanation / exegesis of the surahs and selected verses of Al-Qurʾān from authentic sources and then present a least possible condensed explanation of the surah. In that the exegesis of the chapters of the Quran is mainly based on the "Tafhim al-Qur'an - The Meaning of the Qur'an" by one of the most enlightened scholars of the Muslim World Sayyid Abul Ala Maududi.
In addition, other sources which have been explored and views of other scholars have been incorporated while explaining meaning of a verse. Those desirous of detailed explanations and tafsir (exegesis), may refer to these sites. For expansion of meaning and themes / contextual background help from ChatGPT is also taken.
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