Al Qur'an: Overview and Selected verses from Sürah (34) Saba’- (The Sabaeans)

Surah Saba’ (سَبَأ) is the 34th chapter of Al Qur'an with 54 verses part of the Juzʼ 22. It is a Makkan surah focusing on the civilizations as how societies rise through gratitude and justice, and fall through arrogance, denial, and ingratitude.

The name of the chapter refers to Sheba, a kingdom mentioned in the Qur'an and the Bible. Sheba is the subject of verses 15 to 21 of the surah, although this passage likely does not refer to the kingdom under the famous Queen of Sheba, but rather about a group of people in the same region in a later period. Orientalist A. F. L. Beeston and Jérémie Schiettecatte identified the people in these verses to be the Sabaeans who lived in the Ma'rib valley. [1]

Note: A very important clarification

Before we go further, we make one clarification for the readers of Al Qur'an who often mistake this Surah with the mention of the Queen of Sheba and her interaction / dialogue, diplomacy, and conversion with Solomon. Instead the mention of Queen of Sheba (Bilqīs) appears in Surah An-Naml (27:22–44), where: (1) She rules a powerful kingdom, (2) She initially worships the sun, (3) She corresponds with Prophet Sulayman عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ, and (3) She witnesses Allah’s signs and submits to Him.

Why the difference? Surah Saba focuses on civilizational gratitude and collapse, while Surah An-Naml focuses on guidance, wisdom, and submission to truth. Remember, Al Qur’an distributes aspects of history thematically, not chronologically.

Coming over to the 34th Surah, We have already shared the | Exegesis / Tafseer | of the Sürah Saba’ which can be read from clicking on the highlighted link. 

Although, the theme of this post is the some of the selected verses from this surah, however, herein under we first present an overview of the Sūrah, as an introduction to the Sūrah. Thereafter, we will share some of the selected verses that cover the basic theme of the Sūrah. Therefore, the following overview covers the context, major themes / subjects and lessons that we draw from this Sūrah for our guidance in present times.

Core theme of Surah Saba’

At its core, Sürah Saba’ addresses gratitude vs. ingratitude, faith vs. denial, and accountability in the Hereafter. It contrasts people who recognize Allah’s favors and submit to Him with those who become arrogant, deny resurrection, and misuse blessings. The surah weaves together:

• Historical examples
• Stories of prophets
• Arguments for resurrection
• Refutations of shirk (associating partners with Allah)

Main Themes of Sürah Saba’

• Allah’s Absolute Knowledge / Power & the Hereafter
• The surah opens by affirming that nothing in the heavens or the earth escapes Allah’s knowledge (34:1–3). This directly refutes the denial of resurrection, emphasizing that One who knows all can surely resurrect all.
• Key verse: “Not absent from Him is the weight of an atom in the heavens or the earth…” (34:3)
• Lesson today: (1) Nothing escapes accountability, (2) Hidden injustice is still recorded, and (3) Denial of resurrection is intellectually shallow. This refutes modern materialism that dismisses moral consequence.
• Denial of the Hereafter and Its Consequences
• Disbelievers mock the idea of resurrection.
• Allah responds with rational and moral arguments: denial does not erase accountability (34:3–9).
• Mention of Prophets Dāwūd & Sulaymān: Power with gratitude (34:10–14): These prophets are presented as models of gratitude despite immense power:
• Prophet Dawud عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ: Mountains and birds joined him in glorifying Allah; he was taught skill in armor-making (34:10–11).
• Prophet Sulayman عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ: Commanded the wind, jinn, and animals, yet remained a thankful servant (34:12–14). The emphasis is that Prophet Sulaymān had: (1)Political power, (2)Economic strength, and (3)Technological advantage - Yet he: Acknowledged Allah and used power for service, not arrogance.
• Key verses: “Work, O family of Dāwūd, in gratitude. And few of My servants are truly grateful.” (34:13)
• The people of Saba’: Prosperity destroyed by ingratitude (34:15–19): This is the central historical parable of the surah, which focuses on their rise and fall.
• Central verse: “There was for [the people of] Saba’ a sign in their dwelling place…” (34:15)
• They lived in prosperity with fertile land, economic stability and a magnificent dam (Ma’rib Dam). and they were Divinely told to "Eat from the provision of your Lord and be grateful to Him.” (34:15)
• But they turned away in arrogance and ingratitude.
• Thus Allah caused the dam to collapse, turning their lush land into barren terrain (34:16–17).
• Lesson: 
• Civilizations do not fall due to lack of resources, but due to moral decay and ingratitude.
• Environmental and social collapse often follows moral decay
• Blessings abused become means of destruction
• False Leaders and Blind Following
• On the Day of Judgment, followers will blame their leaders, and leaders will deny responsibility (34:31–33).
• This exposes the illusion of power and influence in dunya.
• False sense of security through wealth & children (34:35–37)
• Key verse: “It is not your wealth nor your children that bring you closer to Us…” (34:37)
• Lesson today: (1)Status is not spirituality, (2)Privilege is not proof of truth, and (3)Nearness to Allah is moral, not material
• Shayṭān’s strategy exposed (34:20–21)
• Key verse: “And Iblīs found his assumption about them to be true…” (34:20)
• Shayṭān does not force disbelief—he exploits: (1) Negligence, (2) Ingratitude, and (3) Moral laziness
• Lesson today: Most people fall not through rebellion, but distraction
• The illusion of intercession & false leaders (34:22–23)
• Key verse: “Say: Call upon those you claim besides Allah…” (34:22)
• Lesson today: No ideology, celebrity, or system will save anyone - the responsibility rests with the individuals.
• Psychology of denial (34:31–33): These verses show: Followers blaming leaders and leaders blaming followers. Thus No one will escape accountability.
• The Prophet ﷺ as a universal warner: The Prophet ﷺ is reassured that rejection is not new. Past nations also denied truth—until reality overtook them (34:43–54)
• Key verse: “We have not sent you except as a bringer of good news and a warner to all mankind.”
• Lesson today: Islam is universal and Da'wah transcends ethnicity, class, and geography

Lessons for us today

• Prosperity without ethics is fragile
• Gratitude is a civilizational force
• Environmental collapse is often moral collapse
• Wealth does not equal worth
• Faith must shape how power is used
• Accountability cannot be outsourced

Summarizing, Surah Saba’ teaches that gratitude sustains civilizations, arrogance destroys them, wealth is a test not a proof, and accountability before Allah is unavoidable.

We now share herein under some of the selected verses from  Sürah Saba’ already published:

• Verse 13: But few of My servants are grateful
• Verses 31-33: A Jaw-Dropping dialogue of blame game  (on Day of Judgement) between the blind followers and the misleading masters (mentioned in Al Qur’an)

We will add more verses in time, In Sha Allah.

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.

You may also refer to our exclusive reference page: Selected verses from selected Surahs of Al-Qurʾān for compiled verses from other surahs.

For verses on 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. .

You may also refer to our Reference Pages  and Understanding Al Qur'an for knowing more about Islam and Qur'ān.

Photo | Reference: | 1 | 2 | 3 |

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.

Disclaimer: The material for this post has been collected from the references given above. If anyone differs with the material contained in this post, one may consult the references and their authors.  If someone has more material about the subject, he/she is most welcome to share in the comments box to make the post all encompassing.

If you like Islam: My Ultimate Decision, and to keep yourself updated on all our latest posts to know more about Islam, follow us on Facebook. You may also refer to our Facebook  Group Islam: The Ultimate Truth for more on Islam and Da'wah.

Follow @IslamUltimate

Please share this page to your friends and family members through Facebook, WhatsApp or any means on social media so that they can also be benefited by it and better understand Islam and the Qur'ān - Insha Allah (Allah Willing) you shall be blessed with the best of both worlds.

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A Jaw-Dropping dialogue of blame game (on Day of Judgement) between the blind followers and the misleading masters (mentioned in Al Qur’an)

Blame game is an age old tactics on the part of the wrong doers and criminals who continue to do immoral and unbecoming acts that fall under the jurisdiction of law of society or country so long they are not caught. However, once caught and are produced in a court to be charged with their crime, they throw the blame on those on whose behest they have indulged in their heinous acts. Before we proceed further in our post of tday, herein under is the definition of blame-game:

The "blame game" is a common, unproductive, and often destructive pattern of behavior where individuals or groups involved in a failure or mistake focus on assigning fault to others rather than taking responsibility or finding solutions. It involves mutual accusations, finger-pointing, and, in many cases, the creation of scapegoats to avoid accountability.

Keeping the concept of blame game at the back of our mind, we share three verses from Al Qur'an which form a unique dialogue which will be witnessed on the Day of Judgement in the Divine COurt of the Lord of the universe between a group of people who hade been following their leaders blindly and acting in ways completely tangent to the Divine commandments. Upon hearing their charge sheet they would straightaway blame their masters, while the masters would try to absolve them of the charges saying that it was the fault of their followers to listen to them and act taking their own decisions for their gains.

These three verses (34: 31-33) are from Surah 34. Saba which form one continuous scene. The Qur’an pulls the curtain back on what will happen after denial hardens into regret, especially in societies where people outsource thinking and morality to elites.

The verses (meaning-focused translation)

• (34:31) 
• The disbelievers say:  “We shall never believe in this Qur'an, nor in any Scripture before it.” If you could only see the wrong-doers arrayed before their Lord, each bandying charges against the other. Those who were suppressed will say to those who waxed arrogant: “Had it not been for you, we would have been believers.”
• That is, the common people who are following their leaders, chiefs, saints and rulers blindly, and are not prepared to listen to any word of advice from a well-wisher against them. When the same people will sec the actual reality and will also remember how their religious leaders used to misrepresent things, and when they will realize what doom they are going to meet on account of following their leaders, they will turn on them, and say, “O wretched people, you led us astray: you are responsible for all our afflictions. Had you not misguided us, we would have listened to the Messengers of Allah and believed in what they said.
• A similar scenario has been painted in Surah 2. Al Baqarah (The Cow) in which the followed will disown their followers saying: (2:166) At that moment those who have been followed will disown their followers, and they will see the chastisement, and their resources will be cut asunder.

Then Allah says: If only you could see when the wrongdoers are made to stand before their Lord, throwing blame back and forth at one another…

• (34:32) 
• The arrogant ones will retort to those who were suppressed: “What! Did we bar you from the guidance after it came to you? Not at all; rather you yourselves were evil-doers.
• That is, they will say: We had no power by which a few of us could have compelled hundreds of thousands of the people like you to follow us. If you had the will to believe, you could have deposed us from leadership and power and authority and government. In fact, you were our army, you were the source of our wealth and power. But for your offerings and gifts and taxes we should have been paupers. Had you not sworn allegiance to us, we could not have flourished as saints even for a day. Had you not appreciated and applauded us as leaders, we would have remained unknown.
• (34:33) 
• Those who were suppressed will say to those who waxed arrogant: “By no means; it was your scheming, night and day, when you would enjoin us to disbelieve in Allah and set up others as equals to Him.” When they are confronted with the chastisement, they will be remorseful in their hearts. We shall put fetters around the necks of the unbelievers. Can people be requited except for their deeds?
• That is the common people’s reply will be: “How can you hold us as equal partners in this responsibility? Do you also remember what sort of trickeries and deceptions and false propaganda you practiced and what efforts you used to make to tempt and entice the people day and night. It is not just that you presented the world before us and we were allured, but this is also a fact that you used to befool us by your frauds and deceptions and each one of you brought a new bait every day to tempt and lure the simple people.”
• The fate of the followed and followers will be the same as also mentioned in Surah 2. Al Baqarah (2:167) And the followers will then say: “Oh if only we might return again, we would disown them as they have disowned us?”  Thus Allah will show them their works in a manner causing them bitter regrets. Never will they come out of the Fire.

Then all of them will conceal regret when they see the punishment.

The core of Framework of these verses

Before we describe the dialogue of these three verses in detail, let us see how these describe a recurring human pattern on the Day of Judgment:

• Followers blame leaders for misguidance
• Leaders deny responsibility and blame followers
• Both are held accountable

That is this is not merely eschatology; it is a diagnosis of social psychology. The Qur’an is exposing how systems of influence operate and how moral responsibility is evaded.

The Qur’anic Framework (in brief)

From 34:31–33, we learn four principles:

• Influence exists (leaders shape thought)
• Choice exists (followers are not coerced)
• Blame-shifting is universal
• Accountability is individual

Now let us return to the context and explanation of these three verses.

Immediate context in Surah Saba

We have already mentioned the context in which Surah Saba was revealed in the Overview and the Exegesis of the surah already published. Herein under is just a brief point wise context with which Surah Saba deals with:

• Denial despite evidence
• Civilizations intoxicated by power
• False confidence in leaders, wealth, and systems
• Collapse followed by blame
• Earlier in the surah: (1) Knowledgeable people recognize truth (34:6), and (2) Sabaʾ collapses due to ingratitude (34:15–19)

Now, in 34:31–33, Allah shows the psychological endgame of denial that is when truth is rejected collectively, no one accepts responsibility individually.

Why the Qur’an stages a dialogue

This is an obvious question some readers may come up with. But this not merely storytelling for drama, for it is moral exposure.

Two groups are identified in these verses are: (1) Al-mustad‘afūn – the socially weak, followers, masses, and (2) Al-mustakbirūn – the arrogant elites, influencers, power-holders.  

The Qur’an shows that both are guilty, but in different ways. And if we look around, the same blame game still continues despite these jaw drooping mentions and cautions in Al Qur'an. Let us now expand these verses for better understanding:

The illusion exposed: “We were just following”

When the weak followers, yet offenders and law breakers or not following the path shown to them by the messengers and prophets of Allah, due to their blind following of their deceiving leaders:

• The Excuse of the Weak: “If it were not f or you, we would have believed.”
• This reflects a universal excuse: 
• “I was just following society”
• “This is how the system works”
• “Everyone thinks this way”
• “Our leaders/scientists/media said so”
• Qur’anic verdict: Al Qur'an strictly reject such notions for:
• Moral agency cannot be delegated.
• Guidance came to them directly — through revelation, conscience, and signs.

The counter-illusion: “It was their choice”

The elite and the mighty who once occupied the positions of authority and misled their people to follow them or what their forefathers did or how they tried to counter the prophets by enticing their followers to side with them so that their positions could not be harmed. On the Day of Judgement, when they would see their once faithful followers have found courage to speak the truth and themselves being cornered, 

• The elites would respond: “Did we block you from guidance?”
• This exposes another false comfort: (1) Leaders claim neutrality, (2) Influencers deny responsibility, and (3) Power structures pretend they only “offer options”
• But the Qur’an immediately unmasks this claim.

“Makr al-layl wa-n-nahār”  - “Your plotting night and day” (34:33)

This is the most relevant phrase today, even today. But this is not accidental wording, for t refers to:

• Continuous persuasion
• Normalization of falsehood
• Cultural engineering
• Ideological pressure disguised as progress

Applicability of the verses

The quoted verses apply to people and their leaders in all walks of life. Be it be religion, governments, establishments of all type. As for religions, pushing away the prophets for the sake of faith of the forefathers, supporting ruthless and illegitimate governments despite their cruelty and corruption and siding with the policies of the bosses in organizations no matter how inhuman they may be, or even in societies where the general populations is suppressed by the demagogues. Yet supporting them for own temporary gains will leave them accounted for and will be punished along with those at the helm of the affairs.

And what a strange coincidence that in modern times we still witness the same equivalents like: 

• 24/7 media narratives, most of which is to brain wash the viewers with articulately shaping the false news which look like authentic to mislead the audience on the behest of individuals, groups or even government.
• Algorithm-driven influence
• Economic coercion
• Redefining truth, morality, and success

The Qur’an acknowledges systemic manipulation — but does not absolve submission to it.

The most terrifying moment: concealed regret (“They will conceal regret when they see the punishment.”)

A time finally comes when concealing regret is the only thing one can do for: (1) Blame no longer benefits anyone, (2) Truth is now undeniable, and (3) All excuses have expired

This is regret without repentance is of its worst kind, for regretting one's misconduct or unfaithfulness and repenting over it cannot revert the game. Seeing the punishment in front means the time has run out and no excuses can work anymore. That is why man has been reminded time and again to instantly regret one's wrong doings and and seek Divine forgiveness for one never knows when his time is up in this world. 

Correlation with our present life

These verses speak directly to today’s world and cautioning us against:

• Blind following the (1) Political tribes, (2) Celebrity intellectuals, and (3) Cultural norms over conscience
• Elite manipulation like shaping values subtly, not forcefully and replacing God with “systems”, “markets”, “science”, or “self”
• Mutual blame culture wherein citizens blame leaders, Leaders blame masses and thus everyone trying to avoid accountability and throwing blame on others.

That is the Qur’an declares that on the Day of Judgment, no one carries another’s moral burden. This should serve as a caution that guidance does reach the individuals, even when misguidance is organized collectively. It is up to the blind followers to decide now how would the brace them on the Day of Judgement when they will pitched against the real truth.

One lime Summary of Surah Sabah 34:31-33

On the Day of Judgment, followers will realize they chose comfort over conscience, and leaders will realize influence without responsibility is condemnation. But then this realization will be too late.

You may refer to more Selected Verses from Surah 34. Saba  (The Sabaeans)  already published.

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.

You may also refer to our exclusive reference page: Selected verses from selected Surahs of Al-Qurʾān for compiled verses from other surahs.

For verses on 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. .

You may also refer to our Reference Pages  and Understanding Al Qur'an for knowing more about Islam and Qur'ān.

Photo | Reference: | 1 | 2 | 3 |

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.

Disclaimer: The material for this post has been collected from the references given above. If anyone differs with the material contained in this post, one may consult the references and their authors.  If someone has more material about the subject, he/she is most welcome to share in the comments box to make the post all encompassing.

If you like Islam: My Ultimate Decision, and to keep yourself updated on all our latest posts to know more about Islam, follow us on Facebook. You may also refer to our Facebook  Group Islam: The Ultimate Truth for more on Islam and Da'wah.

Follow @IslamUltimate

Please share this page to your friends and family members through Facebook, WhatsApp or any means on social media so that they can also be benefited by it and better understand Islam and the Qur'ān - Insha Allah (Allah Willing) you shall be blessed with the best of both worlds.

Read More