Overview - Surah 7: al-A`raf (The Elevated Places)

The basic theme of this Surah is Risalah, i.e. Allah's message as it was sent through many messengers. Several Prophets and parts of their stories are mentioned to emphasize Prophets’ mission and their struggle with their people.  The Surah tells us that Allah's Prophets suffered for the cause of truth. Their enemies tried to harm them, but then Allah helped his prophets and defeated their enemies. The Surah emphasizes that the true message must be presented under all circumstances. After the Prophets it is the duty of the Believers to convey the message of Allah to all people.

Sections:

1. The Qur’an is revealed to remind the believers and to warn humankind about the consequences of their actions. The judgment will indeed take place.
2. The story of Man's creation and Satan's opposition to Man.
3. Warning to the Children of Adam to be aware of Satan's plots.
4. Allah's messengers came to guide people.
5. The end of those who denied the message and those who accepted the message.
6. Cries of the wicked in the hellfire.
7. The righteous will prosper.
8. Some lessons from the story of Prophet Noah - peace be upon him.
9. Some lessons from the story of Prophet Hud-  peace be upon him.
10. Some lessons from the story of Prophets Salih and Lot - peace be upon them.
11. Some lessons from the story of Prophet Shu'aib - peace be upon him.
12. Warnings against those who deny the Prophets and Messengers of Allah.
13. Prophet Moses -peace be upon him- and his encounter with Pharaoh of Egypt.
14. Pharaoh and his magicians were defeated.
15. Pharaoh continued in his persecution of the Israelites.
16. Some more signs were shown to Pharaoh and his people.
17. The Torah was given to Prophet Moses- peace be upon him.
18. Some Israelites started Calf worship.
19. The Torah and Injil speak about the coming of Prophet Muhammad (saw). Allah's promise for those who will follow the last Prophet.
20. Prophet Muhammad is the Universal Prophet.  Some among the people of Prophet Moses were guided by the truth and lived with justice.
21. Some Israelites transgressed Allah's laws and they suffered the consequences.
22. The eternal covenant of Allah was taken from all human beings.
23. The coming of the Last Hour
24. Shirk has no logic. Ignore the wrongdoers, but invite to Allah with kindness. Listen to the Qur'an and always remember Allah.

The Surah is named after the story of the men awaiting on the “Elevations” between Paradise and Hell.

It comprises of 206 Ayat.

The basic theme of this Surah is Risalah, i.e. Allah's message as it was sent through many messengers. Several Prophets and parts of their stories are mentioned to emphasize Prophets’ mission and their struggle with their people.  The Surah tells us that Allah's Prophets suffered for the cause of truth. Their enemies tried to harm them, but then Allah helped his prophets and defeated their enemies. The Surah emphasizes that the true message must be presented under all circumstances. After the Prophets it is the duty of the Believers to convey the message of Allah to all people.

Sections:

1. The Qur’an is revealed to remind the believers and to warn humankind about the consequences of their actions. The judgment will indeed take place.
2. The story of Man's creation and Satan's opposition to Man.
3. Warning to the Children of Adam to be aware of Satan's plots.
4. Allah's messengers came to guide people.
5. The end of those who denied the message and those who accepted the message.
6. Cries of the wicked in the hellfire.
7. The righteous will prosper.
8. Some lessons from the story of Prophet Noah - peace be upon him.
9. Some lessons from the story of Prophet Hud-  peace be upon him.
10. Some lessons from the story of Prophets Salih and Lot - peace be upon them.
11. Some lessons from the story of Prophet Shu'aib - peace be upon him.
12. Warnings against those who deny the Prophets and Messengers of Allah.
13. Prophet Moses -peace be upon him- and his encounter with Pharaoh of Egypt.
14. Pharaoh and his magicians were defeated.
15. Pharaoh continued in his persecution of the Israelites.
16. Some more signs were shown to Pharaoh and his people.
17. The Torah was given to Prophet Moses- peace be upon him.
18. Some Israelites started Calf worship.
19. The Torah and Injil speak about the coming of Prophet Muhammad (saw). Allah's promise for those who will follow the last Prophet.
20. Prophet Muhammad is the Universal Prophet.  Some among the people of Prophet Moses were guided by the truth and lived with justice.
21. Some Israelites transgressed Allah's laws and they suffered the consequences.
22. The eternal covenant of Allah was taken from all human beings.
23. The coming of the Last Hour
24. Shirk has no logic. Ignore the wrongdoers, but invite to Allah with kindness. Listen to the Qur'an and always remember Allah.

The Surah is named after the story of the men awaiting on the “Elevations” between Paradise and Hell.

It comprises of 206 Ayat.

The central theme of both Surah al-An’am and al-A’raf deal with the core issues of Faith but from different perspectives. Surah al-An’am presents the topic of Aqeedah and its realities by primarily focusing on the Jahilliyah [ignorance] of the Arabs whilst Surah al-A’raf deals with the Jahilliyah [ignorance] from a wider historical perspective, hence we find mention of Adam, Nuh People of Thamud, Lut, Madyan and Pharoah and his people.

The central theme of both Surah al-An’am and al-A’raf deal with the core issues of Faith but from different perspectives. Surah al-An’am presents the topic of Aqeedah and its realities by primarily focusing on the Jahilliyah [ignorance] of the Arabs whilst Surah al-A’raf deals with the Jahilliyah [ignorance] from a wider historical perspective, hence we find mention of Adam, Nuh People of Thamud, Lut, Madyan and Pharoah and his people.

Al-A'raf - The Elevations. Allah mentions Paradise and Hellfire and then speaks of the 'elevations' between them reserved for some amongst humanity. These people not knowing what will happen to them. The people of Hell-fire will be refused water as it will be prohibited for the disbelievers in the after-life.

Al-A'raf - The Elevations. Allah mentions Paradise and Hellfire and then speaks of the 'elevations' between them reserved for some amongst humanity. These people not knowing what will happen to them. The people of Hell-fire will be refused water as it will be prohibited for the disbelievers in the after-life.

The central theme of both Surah al-An’am and al-A’raf deal with the core issues of Faith but from different perspectives. Surah al-An’am presents the topic of Aqeedah and its realities by primarily focusing on the Jahilliyah [ignorance] of the Arabs whilst Surah al-A’raf deals with the Jahilliyah [ignorance] from a wider historical perspective, hence we find mention of Adam, Nuh People of Thamud, Lut, Madyan and Pharoah and his people.

Surah al-A’raf adopts a totally different approach as it discusses the same question of Faith. It provides for it with the panoramic setting of human history. It starts with mankind’s journey as it begins in heaven and where it aims to return. Along this great expanse, we see the procession of faith starting with the Prophet Adam to the last of all prophets and messengers, Muhammad (peace be upon him). The procession holds the banner of faith and advocates, throughout human history, that the only way to human happiness is for people to adopt the faith based on God’s oneness. The surah outlines what reception this call received in different periods of history; how the leaders of this procession put the message across to mankind, and the responses they received; how the people in power went about conducting their campaigns of opposition and how the procession of believers brushed them aside and went along its way. This surah also portrays the fate that befell opponents of faith in this life and the different destinies in the hereafter of both believers and unbelievers.

It is a very long journey, but the surah takes us along, stage by stage, making a stop at every landmark to indicate that the road is clearly demarcated with well known starting and finishing lines. All mankind travels along, aiming to return to the point where it started, in heaven, with the Supreme society. [REF: Qutb, Fi Dhilal al-Qur’an]

• The previous surahs contain the new Mithaq [covenant] between Allah and the Muslim Ummah. This surah chronicles just how the previous nation, Bani Israel behaved with this Mithaq and how a person from amongst them [7:175] detached himself from the Revelation and the consequences of such actions.

The central theme of both Surah al-An’am and al-A’raf deal with the core issues of Faith but from different perspectives. Surah al-An’am presents the topic of Aqeedah and its realities by primarily focusing on the Jahilliyah [ignorance] of the Arabs whilst Surah al-A’raf deals with the Jahilliyah [ignorance] from a wider historical perspective, hence we find mention of Adam, Nuh People of Thamud, Lut, Madyan and Pharoah and his people.

Surah al-A’raf adopts a totally different approach as it discusses the same question of Faith. It provides for it with the panoramic setting of human history. It starts with mankind’s journey as it begins in heaven and where it aims to return. Along this great expanse, we see the procession of faith starting with the Prophet Adam to the last of all prophets and messengers, Muhammad (peace be upon him). The procession holds the banner of faith and advocates, throughout human history, that the only way to human happiness is for people to adopt the faith based on God’s oneness. The surah outlines what reception this call received in different periods of history; how the leaders of this procession put the message across to mankind, and the responses they received; how the people in power went about conducting their campaigns of opposition and how the procession of believers brushed them aside and went along its way. This surah also portrays the fate that befell opponents of faith in this life and the different destinies in the hereafter of both believers and unbelievers.

It is a very long journey, but the surah takes us along, stage by stage, making a stop at every landmark to indicate that the road is clearly demarcated with well known starting and finishing lines. All mankind travels along, aiming to return to the point where it started, in heaven, with the Supreme society. [REF: Qutb, Fi Dhilal al-Qur’an]

• The previous surahs contain the new Mithaq [covenant] between Allah and the Muslim Ummah. This surah chronicles just how the previous nation, Bani Israel behaved with this Mithaq and how a person from amongst them [7:175] detached himself from the Revelation and the consequences of such actions.

It has been reported that the Prophet reciting this surah during Salatul Maghrib. [Sunan an-Nisai al-Kubra no.1061, Tafsir al-Maudhui, Dr. Mustafah Muslim.]

It has been reported that the Prophet reciting this surah during Salatul Maghrib. [Sunan an-Nisai al-Kubra no.1061, Tafsir al-Maudhui, Dr. Mustafah Muslim.]

• Interesting note in connection to the central theme: we find this surah has used the word قرية (Qaryah)  [and its various grammitical forms – meaning city, town] 10 times – the most frequent compared to any other surah.
• We also find the word أمة (nation) used 8 times in its various forms – also more than any other surah. This is revealed in the last year of the Makkan period and on the eve of the creation of the Islamic state and birth of the Muslim Ummah – hence the most important lessons.
• This Surah has mentioned 'Adam' seven times - more than any other Surah.
• There are more mentions of Musa in this Surah than any other Surah of the Qur'an.
• Words derived from R-B-B- (Lord, owner, master) appear 65 times in this Surah. The highest frequency compared to any other Surah.
• The word M-L-A' - Cheifs/leaders appears 9 times in this Surah. The highest frequency compared to any other Surah.

• Interesting note in connection to the central theme: we find this surah has used the word قرية (Qaryah)  [and its various grammitical forms – meaning city, town] 10 times – the most frequent compared to any other surah.
• We also find the word أمة (nation) used 8 times in its various forms – also more than any other surah. This is revealed in the last year of the Makkan period and on the eve of the creation of the Islamic state and birth of the Muslim Ummah – hence the most important lessons.
• This Surah has mentioned 'Adam' seven times - more than any other Surah.
• There are more mentions of Musa in this Surah than any other Surah of the Qur'an.
• Words derived from R-B-B- (Lord, owner, master) appear 65 times in this Surah. The highest frequency compared to any other Surah.
• The word M-L-A' - Cheifs/leaders appears 9 times in this Surah. The highest frequency compared to any other Surah.

• وَإِلَىٰ عَادٍ أَخَاهُمْ هُودًا ۗ قَالَ يَا قَوْمِ اعْبُدُوا اللَّـهَ مَا لَكُم مِّنْ إِلَـٰهٍ غَيْرُهُ ۚ أَفَلَا تَتَّقُونَ "And to the 'Aad [We sent] their brother Hud. He said, "O my people, worship Allah; you have no deity other than Him. Then will you not fear Him?" (7:65)

  This is the first mention of the Prophet Hud in the Qur'an (the Prophet Hud is mentioned most in Surah Hud, a total of five times).

• Interesting note in connection to the central theme: we find this surah has used the word قرية (Qaryah)  [and its various grammitical forms – meaning city, town] 10 times – the most frequent compared to any other surah.
• We also find the word أمة (nation) used 8 times in its various forms – also more than any other surah. This is revealed in the last year of the Makkan period and on the eve of the creation of the Islamic state and birth of the Muslim Ummah – hence the most important lessons.
• This Surah has mentioned 'Adam' seven times - more than any other Surah.
• There are more mentions of Musa in this Surah than any other Surah of the Qur'an.
• Words derived from R-B-B- (Lord, owner, master) appear 65 times in this Surah. The highest frequency compared to any other Surah.
• The word M-L-A'-  (Cheifs/leaders) appears 9 times in this Surah. The highest frequency compared to any other Surah.

• وَإِلَىٰ عَادٍ أَخَاهُمْ هُودًا ۗ قَالَ يَا قَوْمِ اعْبُدُوا اللَّـهَ مَا لَكُم مِّنْ إِلَـٰهٍ غَيْرُهُ ۚ أَفَلَا تَتَّقُونَ "And to the 'Aad [We sent] their brother Hud. He said, "O my people, worship Allah; you have no deity other than Him. Then will you not fear Him?" (7:65)

  This is the first mention of the Prophet Hud in the Qur'an (the Prophet Hud is mentioned most in Surah Hud, a total of five times).

• Interesting note in connection to the central theme: we find this surah has used the word قرية (Qaryah)  [and its various grammitical forms – meaning city, town] 10 times – the most frequent compared to any other surah.
• We also find the word أمة (nation) used 8 times in its various forms – also more than any other surah. This is revealed in the last year of the Makkan period and on the eve of the creation of the Islamic state and birth of the Muslim Ummah – hence the most important lessons.
• This Surah has mentioned 'Adam' seven times - more than any other Surah.
• There are more mentions of Musa in this Surah than any other Surah of the Qur'an.
• Words derived from R-B-B- (Lord, owner, master) appear 65 times in this Surah. The highest frequency compared to any other Surah.
• The word M-L-A'-  (Cheifs/leaders) appears 9 times in this Surah. The highest frequency compared to any other Surah.

A study of its contents clearly shows that the period of its revelation is about the same as that of Surah 6: al-An’am (The Grazing Livestock), i.e. the last year of the Prophet's life at Makkah, but it cannot be asserted with certainty which of these two were sent down earlier. The manner of its admonition clearly indicates that it belongs to the same period. [Ref: Mawdudi]

It is considered the longest surah revealed during the Makkan period. Some consider this surah to have been revealed after Surah 38: Sad. [Ref: Tafsir al-Maudheei, Dr. Mustafah Muslim, vol. 3, p. 2]

A study of its contents clearly shows that the period of its revelation is about the same as that of Surah 6: al-An’am (The Grazing Livestock), i.e. the last year of the Prophet's life at Makkah, but it cannot be asserted with certainty which of these two were sent down earlier. The manner of its admonition clearly indicates that it belongs to the same period. [Ref: Mawdudi]

It is considered the longest surah revealed during the Makkan period. Some consider this surah to have been revealed after Surah 38: Sad. [Ref: Tafsir al-Maudheei, Dr. Mustafah Muslim, vol. 3, p. 2]

• An invitation is given to the People of the Book (Jews and Christians) to become Muslims.
• A warning is given to the unbelievers about the consequences of their denial through citing the example of punishments which were inflicted upon former people for their wrong attitude towards their Rasools.
• The Jews are warned about the consequences of their hypocritical conduct towards the Prophets.
• Commandment to propagate the message of Islam with wisdom.
• The fact that the Rasools as well as the people to whom they are sent will be questioned on the Day of Judgement.
• Commandment to the Believers that they should wear decent and proper dress and eat pure and good food.
• Dialogue between the residents of paradise, the inmates of hell and the people of A'raf (a place between the Paradise and hell).
• The fact that affluence and adversity are the reminders from Allah.
• The fact that Muhammad (pbuh) is the Rasool for the all of mankind.
• The fact that the advent of Muhammad (pbuh) was described in Torah and the Gospel (Bible).
• The fact that the Jews have fabricated a wrong belief about Allah's forgiveness.
• Mankind's testimony about Allah at the time of Adam's creation.
• The fact that Allah created all of mankind from a single soul.
• Allah's commandment to show forgiveness, speak for justice and avoid the ignorant.
• Allah's commandment about listening to the recitation of The Qur'an with complete silence.

• An invitation is given to the People of the Book (Jews and Christians) to become Muslims.
• A warning is given to the unbelievers about the consequences of their denial through citing the example of punishments which were inflicted upon former people for their wrong attitude towards their Rasools.
• The Jews are warned about the consequences of their hypocritical conduct towards the Prophets.
• Commandment to propagate the message of Islam with wisdom.
• The fact that the Rasools as well as the people to whom they are sent will be questioned on the Day of Judgement.
• Commandment to the Believers that they should wear decent and proper dress and eat pure and good food.
• Dialogue between the residents of paradise, the inmates of hell and the people of A'raf (a place between the Paradise and hell).
• The fact that affluence and adversity are the reminders from Allah.
• The fact that Muhammad (pbuh) is the Rasool for the all of mankind.
• The fact that the advent of Muhammad (pbuh) was described in Torah and the Gospel (Bible).
• The fact that the Jews have fabricated a wrong belief about Allah's forgiveness.
• Mankind's testimony about Allah at the time of Adam's creation.
• The fact that Allah created all of mankind from a single soul.
• Allah's commandment to show forgiveness, speak for justice and avoid the ignorant.
• Allah's commandment about listening to the recitation of The Qur'an with complete silence.

• Surah Al-Araf (The Heights) Saad al Ghamidi  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tvJmEeRYGag&index=7&list=PLFBCB5C33480F350C
• Surah Al-Araf Mahmoud Khalil Al Hussary  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IAIqY4YG5v4&index=7&list=PLxpAkjlGauHfMFWX22VZWOKpzjr-vH_BM
• Surah Al-Araf  Muhammad Al Luhaydan  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8PH63X7q_Wk&list=PLxpAkjlGauHfKAYuQLRNAZomoezhfhRZe&index=7
• Surah Araf Idris Akba https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MP1DvywAaoI​
• Surah Al-Araf muhammad Minshawi  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GdAOUom0mP4&list=PLxpAkjlGauHdUcO_uc-8F8J2NUQRDZjPG&index=7​
• Dr Israr Ahmed Tafsir Surah Al-An'am (130) to Surah Al-A'raf (1-37)2  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yMuuDJXS-0A&index=38&list=PLB4B8D1654A8BD263
• Dr Israr Ahmed Tafsir Surah Al-A'raf (38-131)1  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XT223pGb-4k&index=39&list=PLB4B8D1654A8BD263​
• Dr Israr Ahmed Tafsir Surah Al-A'raf (38-131)2  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qMsXRQtXN8w&index=40&list=PLB4B8D1654A8BD263
• Dr Israr Ahmed Tafsir Surah Al-A'raf (132-end)1  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3s2AOg0EbWM&list=PLB4B8D1654A8BD263&index=41​
• Dr Israr Ahmed Tafsir Surah Al-A'raf (132-end)2  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5lcwRd9aqOw&index=42&list=PLB4B8D1654A8BD263​