Surah Al Anbiya: Stories & Lessons of the Prophets
| Classification | Meccan |
| Position | 21st Surah |
| No. of verses | 112 |
| No. of Rukus | 7 |
| No. of words | 1,171 |
| No. of letters | 4,827 |
Surah Al Anbiya Introduction:
Surah Al Anbiya (The Prophets) is the 21st chapter of the Holy Qur’an. It highlights the stories of several prophets, their struggles, and the unity of their message, the worship of Allah alone. The surah reminds believers about patience, accountability, and the certainty of the Day of Judgment, offering timeless lessons of hope and resilience for every generation.
Period of Revelation:
Surah Al Anbiya was revealed in Mecca during the middle Makkan period, a time when the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ and his followers faced increasing opposition. The community was small, under social boycott and pressure, yet their faith was firm. In this backdrop, the surah came as reassurance for the believers by recounting the perseverance of past prophets and their eventual triumph by Allah’s will. It reminded the early Muslims that patience and trust in Allah would bring success, no matter how difficult the circumstances.
Purpose of Revelation:
The primary purpose of Surah Al Anbiya is to affirm the Oneness of Allah (Tawḥīd) and demonstrate that all prophets throughout history carried the same divine message. It aims to warn disbelievers about the certainty of the Day of Judgment while strengthening believers with stories of prophetic resilience. Through these narratives, the surah inspires steadfastness, offering comfort that trials are part of the journey of faith and that ultimate victory belongs to truth and righteousness.
Themes:
1. Allah reminds that past nations likewise rejected messengers.
2. The heavens and earth will be transformed; on that Day all secrets revealed
3. The surah rejects assigning partners to Allah (e.g. belief that angels are His daughters).
4. All prophets preached the same core message: worship Allah alone, do righteous deeds.
5. Life is a test; our deeds will be exposed and judged.
6. The surah invites people to ponder creation, their own souls, and logic, not blind acceptance.
Narratives of Prophets & Their Call In Surah Al Anbiya:
Abraham (Ibrahim): Argument against idols, rescue from fire.
Lot (Lut): Warning to his people.
Noah (Nuh): His supplications and the flood.
David (Dawud) & Solomon (Sulayman): Gifts of wisdom, blessings, rulership.
Job (Ayyub): Endurance through trials, supplicating to Allah during suffering.
Ishmael, Idris, Dhu’l-Kifl (and others): brief mentions of steadfastness and reward.
Jonah (Yunus): His call, repentance, and rescue.
Zechariah (Zakariyya), Mary (Maryam), Jesus (Isa/Essa): Sign stories (e.g. Mary and her purity).
Sorah Al Anbiya Images:
FAQs
Why is it called “Al Anbiya”?
It is named “Al Anbiya” (The Prophets) because it mentions many prophets and highlights their struggles and victories.
Which prophets are mentioned in Surah Al Anbiya?
Prophets like Ibrahim, Nuh, Lut, Dawud, Sulayman, Ayyub, Yunus, Zakariyya, and Isa (through Maryam’s story) are mentioned.
What is a famous verse from Surah Al Anbiya?
Patience in trials, reliance on Allah, rejection of false gods, hope in Allah’s mercy, and certainty of accountability.
What is a famous verse from Surah Al Anbiya?
“Every soul shall taste death” (21:35) is among the most quoted reminders from this surah.
How can believers apply Surah Al Anbiya today?
By reflecting on the prophetic stories, practicing patience, seeking Allah’s help in hardship, and remembering the reality of the Hereafter.
Author’s Quotation:
“Surah Al Anbiya stands as a timeless chapter of guidance, weaving together the struggles and triumphs of Allah’s chosen prophets. Each story reflects not only the trials of the past but also the challenges we face today, reminding us that patience, prayer, and trust in Allah lead to ultimate victory. It is more than history; it is a living message for every believer, urging us to remain steadfast in faith and hopeful in the mercy of our Creator.”