Surah Al-A’raf Overview — The Heights (Chapter 7)

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الأعراف Al-A'raf The Heights
Meccan◉ Juz 8 · 9206 verses12 Concepts
Juz Span
About This Surah

Surah Al-A'raf (الأعراف) is the 7th chapter of the Qur'an, with 206 verses revealed in Mecca. Its main themes are spirituality, theology, and prophethood. It prominently features Musa and Adam. It contains Ayat al-Mithaq (7:172).

Topical Breakdown

Verses 1–2029
  • 1Divine Authority of the Quran
  • 1Opening Disjointed Letters
  • 2Reassurance to the Prophet Regarding Revelation
  • 2Warning and Reminding through Scripture
  • 3Obligation to Follow Divine Revelation
  • 3Prohibition of Following False Authorities
  • 4Sudden Destruction of Transgressing Cities
  • 5Futile Confession of Wrongdoing during Punishment
  • 6Questioning of Messengers on Conveying the Message
  • 6Questioning of Nations Regarding Messages
  • 7Divine Omniscience over Human Actions
  • 8Success of Those with Heavy Scales
  • 8The Absolute Justice of the Eschatological Scales
  • 9Ruin of Those with Light Scales Due to Injustice
  • 10Establishment and Livelihoods Provided on Earth
  • 10Human Ingratitude for Divine Favors
  • 11Angelic Prostration and the Refusal of Iblis
  • 11Creation and Fashioning of Adam
  • 12Arrogance and Fallacious Reasoning of Iblis
  • 13Expulsion and Degradation of Iblis from Paradise
  • 14Satan Requesting Respite until Resurrection
  • 15Divine Granting of Respite to Satan
  • 16Satanic Vow to Ambush the Straight Path
  • 17Multidirectional Temptations of Satan
  • 17Satanic Aim to Prevent Gratitude to Allah
  • 18Final Banishment of Satan and Damnation of Followers
  • 19Prohibition of Approaching the Forbidden Tree
  • 19Settlement of Adam and Hawwa in Paradise
  • 20Satanic Whispers and False Promises of Immortality

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Verses 21–4029
  • 21Deceptive Oath of Sincerity by Satan
  • 22Deception, Exposure of Nakedness, and Admonition
  • 23Repentance and Supplication of Adam and Hawwa
  • 24Descent to Earth and Earthly Enmity
  • 25Earthly Cycle of Life, Death, and Resurrection
  • 26Provision of Clothing for Modesty and Adornment
  • 26Superiority of the Garment of Taqwa
  • 27Unseen Nature of Demonic Influence
  • 27Warning Mankind against Satanic Temptation
  • 28Refutation of Attributing Immorality to God
  • 29Commands for Justice and Sincerity in Worship
  • 29Inevitability of Return as Initial Creation
  • 30Delusion of Misguided Allies of Devils
  • 30Division of Mankind into Guided and Misguided
  • 31Adornment and Cleanliness during Worship
  • 31Moderation in Consumption and Prohibition of Waste
  • 32Permissibility of Wholesome Provisions and Adornments
  • 33Comprehensive Prohibitions: Immoralities, Injustice, and Shirk
  • 34Fixed and Inviolable Lifespans of Nations
  • 35Deliverance and Peace for the Pious and Reformers
  • 35Sending Messengers to Recite Divine Signs
  • 36Eternal Damnation for Deniers and the Arrogant
  • 37Deathbed Disillusionment and Invalidation of Idols
  • 37Grave Injustice of Fabricating Lies against Allah
  • 38Doubled Retribution for Leaders and Followers in Hell
  • 38Mutual Cursing among Condemned Jinn and Humans
  • 39Mutual Blame and Reciprocal Punishment in Hell
  • 40Closure of Heavenly Gates to the Arrogant Deniers
  • 40Impossibility of Paradise for Unrepentant Criminals

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Verses 41–6024
  • 41Horrific Bedding and Coverings of Hellfire
  • 42Divine Justice in Proportional Duty for Believers
  • 43Praise and Gratitude of the Righteous for Guidance
  • 43Purification of Hearts from Rancor in Paradise
  • 44Dialogue between the Dwellers of Paradise and Hell
  • 44Proclamation of the Curse of Allah on Oppressors
  • 45Characteristics of Wrongdoers: Averting from God's Way
  • 46The Partition and the Men of the Heights (Al-A'raf)
  • 47Supplication of the People of Al-A'raf against Damnation
  • 48Rebuking the Arrogant Tyrants for Useless Wealth
  • 49Vindication and Peaceful Entry of Humble Believers into Paradise
  • 50Desperate Pleas of the Damned for Water and Sustenance
  • 51Abandonment in Retribution for Mocking Religion
  • 52The Quran as a Detailed Book of Knowledge, Guidance, and Mercy
  • 53Fulfillment of Eschatological Warnings and Belated Regret
  • 54Creation of the Cosmos and Establishment over the Throne
  • 54Subjugation of Day, Night, Sun, Moon, and Stars
  • 55Invocations in Humility, Secrecy, and Avoiding Transgression
  • 56Prohibition of Corruption and Invocations in Fear and Hope
  • 56Proximity of Divine Mercy to the Doers of Good
  • 57Winds and Rain as Physical Portents of Bodily Resurrection
  • 58Parable of Good and Bad Soils for Spiritual Receptivity
  • 59Nuh's Call to Monotheism and Warning of a Tremendous Day
  • 60Accusation of Clear Error by the Chiefs of Nuh's People

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Verses 61–8020
  • 61Nuh Refuting Error and Confirming His Messengerhood
  • 62Conveying Divine Messages and Offering Sincere Advice
  • 63Dispelling Wonder at a Human Warner Sent by Allah
  • 64Salvation of Nuh in the Ark and Drowning of Blind Deniers
  • 65Hud's Call to Monotheism and Taqwa to the Tribe of 'Ad
  • 66Accusation of Foolishness and Falsehood against Hud
  • 67Hud Denying Foolishness and Proclaiming Messengerhood
  • 68Trustworthy Guidance and Sincere Advice of Prophet Hud
  • 69Reminding 'Ad of Divine Favors, Succession, and Stature
  • 70Defiant Adherence to Ancestral Idols and Challenging Torment
  • 71Denouncing Arbitrary Names of False Deities and Awaiting Judgment
  • 72Merciful Salvation of Hud and Annihilation of 'Ad
  • 73Salih's Mission to Thamud and the Miraculous She-Camel
  • 74Civilizational Favors, Architecture, and Warning against Corruption
  • 75Conflict between Arrogant Leaders and Oppressed Believers
  • 76Obstinate Rejection of Truth by the Arrogant of Thamud
  • 77Hamstringing the She-Camel and Defying Divine Retribution
  • 78The Cataclysmic Tremor Overwhelming Thamud
  • 79Salih's Parting Admonition and Disdain of Advisers by Deniers
  • 80Denunciation of Unprecedented Sexual Immorality

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Verses 81–10020
  • 81Condemning Unnatural Desires as Boundless Transgression
  • 82Tyrannical Demand to Expel the Pious and Chaste
  • 83Salvation of Lut and His Family except His Treacherous Wife
  • 84Destructive Rain of Stones upon the Transgressing Criminals
  • 85Shu'ayb's Call to Tawheed, Fair Measures, and Integrity
  • 86Forbidding Highway Brigandage, Coercion, and Reminding of Growth
  • 87Patience Pending the Absolute Judgment of Allah
  • 88Arrogant Threats of Expulsion or Forced Apostasy
  • 89Shu'ayb's Steadfast Faith, Reliance, and Prayer for Victory
  • 90Disbelieving Chiefs Threatening Loss to Shu'ayb's Followers
  • 91The Earthquake Annihilating the People of Madyan
  • 92Total Effacement and Ruin of the Deniers of Shu'ayb
  • 93Shu'ayb's Departure and Release of Grief over Disbelievers
  • 94Afflicting Nations with Adversity to Induce Humility
  • 95Testing with Prosperity and Sudden Seizure of the Unaware
  • 96Heavenly and Earthly Blessings Linked to Faith and Taqwa
  • 97Vulnerability to Nocturnal Divine Punishment
  • 98Vulnerability to Daytime Punishment during Careless Play
  • 99Delusion of Feeling Secure from the Divine Plan
  • 100Historical Lessons for Successor Generations and Heart-Sealing

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Verses 101–12020
  • 101Stubborn Denial after Clear Proofs and Sealing of Disbelievers
  • 102Breach of Sacred Covenants and Rampant Defiance
  • 103Sending Musa with Signs to Pharaoh and the Corrupt Elite
  • 104Musa Proclaiming Messengerhood from the Lord of the Worlds
  • 105Musa Demanding the Liberation of the Children of Israel
  • 106Pharaoh Demanding Proofs from Musa
  • 107Miracle of the Staff Becoming a Manifest Serpent
  • 108Miracle of Musa's Radiant Hand
  • 109Pharaoh's Chiefs Accusing Musa of Learned Sorcery
  • 110Incitement Claiming Political Disruption and Expulsion
  • 111Counsel to Summon All Skilled Sorcerers from the Cities
  • 112Mobilizing Egyptian Sorcerers against Prophet Musa
  • 113Sorcerers Seeking Material Reward and Royal Favor
  • 114Pharaoh Promising Wealth and Royal Proximity
  • 115Initiation of the Challenge between Musa and the Magicians
  • 116Sorcerers Bewitching Eyes and Producing Tremendous Magic
  • 117Divine Inspiration to Musa: Staff Devouring Illusions
  • 118Triumph of Divine Truth and Nullification of Falsehood
  • 119Decisive Defeat and Humiliation of Pharaoh's Party
  • 120Instant Prostration of the Enlightened Sorcerers

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Verses 121–14020
  • 121Public Declaration of Faith in the Lord of the Worlds
  • 122Affirming Faith in the Lord of Musa and Harun
  • 123Pharaoh's Rage and Accusation of Conspiracy
  • 124Tyrannical Threat of Mutilation and Crucifixion
  • 125Steadfast Declaration of Returning to the Lord
  • 126Prayer for Abundant Patience and Death in Submission
  • 127Pharaoh's Renewed Oppression: Murdering Sons and Subjugation
  • 128Musa Advising Patience, Seeking Divine Help, and Taqwa
  • 129Promise of Successorship and Warning against Transgression
  • 130Afflicting Pharaoh's Clan with Drought and Scarcity of Fruits
  • 131Superstitious Blame of Calamity upon Prophet Musa
  • 132Stubborn Determination to Reject All Miraculous Signs
  • 133The Plagues of Flood, Locusts, Lice, Frogs, and Blood
  • 134Hypocritical Pleading with Musa during Calamities
  • 135Repeated Breaches of Oaths after Relief from Torment
  • 136Drowning of Pharaoh and His Army in the Sea
  • 137Inheritance of Blessed Lands by the Oppressed through Patience
  • 138Crossing the Sea and Demand for an Idol like Pagans
  • 139Musa Condemning Pagan Practices as Destined for Ruin
  • 140Reasserting Pure Monotheism after Divine Deliverance

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Verses 141–16021
  • 141Recalling Deliverance from Brutal Bondage and Great Trial
  • 142Sinai Covenant: Forty Nights and Musa Deputizing Harun
  • 143Divine Speech, Shattering of the Mountain, and Musa's Repentance
  • 144Divine Choice of Musa through Messages and Speech
  • 145Inscribed Tablets: Comprehensive Guidance and Admonition
  • 146Depriving Arrogant Transgressors from Comprehending Divine Signs
  • 147Nullification of Deeds for Deniers of Divine Signs and Resurrection
  • 148Sin of Fashioning and Worshipping the Lowing Golden Calf
  • 149Deep Remorse and Pleading for Divine Forgiveness
  • 150Musa's Indignation, Throwing Tablets, and Reproaching Harun
  • 151Musa Supplicating for Forgiveness and Mercy for His Brother
  • 152Divine Wrath and Worldly Humiliation upon Idolaters
  • 153Divine Forgiveness and Mercy for Sincere Repentance
  • 154Taking up the Tablets of Guidance and Mercy after Anger
  • 155Seventy Elders Seized by Tremor and Musa's Intercession
  • 156All-Encompassing Divine Mercy Decreed for the Pious and Believers
  • 157Enjoining Good, Forbidding Evil, and Lifting Burdens
  • 157The Unlettered Prophet Mentioned in the Torah and Gospel
  • 158Universal Mission of Muhammad to All Mankind
  • 159The Righteous Community among the People of Musa
  • 160Division into Twelve Tribes, Twelve Springs, Manna, and Quails

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Verses 161–18020
  • 161Command to Enter City in Humility and Seek Forgiveness (Hittah)
  • 162Distortion of Divine Command and Consequent Heavenly Plague
  • 163Transgression of the Sabbath by the Coastal Community
  • 164Obligation of Enjoining Good to Be Free from Guilt
  • 165Salvation of Those Who Forbid Evil and Seizure of Wrongdoers
  • 166Metamorphosis into Despised Apes for Defiant Transgression
  • 167Decree of Continuous Humiliation and Tribulation for Defiance
  • 168Dispersion Across the Earth and Testing with Good and Adversity
  • 169Corrupt Successors Trading Divine Scripture for Ephemeral Gain
  • 170Preserving Reward for Those Who Hold Fast to Scripture and Salah
  • 171Raising Mount Sinai as a Canopy over Israel to Enforce Covenant
  • 172Humanity's Primordial Testimony of God's Lordship
  • 173Invalidation of Excuses of Blind Ancestral Imitation in Shirk
  • 174Detailed Explanation of Signs for Spiritual Awakening
  • 175Story of the Scholar Detached from Divine Signs
  • 176Parable of the Panting Dog: Adherence to Earth and Desires
  • 177Evil Example of Those Who Reject Divine Signs and Oppress Themselves
  • 178True Guidance from Allah and Ruin of the Misguided
  • 179Spiritual Inertia of Hell's Inhabitants and Comparison to Cattle
  • 180Invoking Allah by His Most Beautiful Names and Forbidding Deviation

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Verses 181–20019
  • 181The Upright Community Guiding with Truth and Practicing Justice
  • 182Gradual Entrapment (Istidraj) of Deniers through Unseen Means
  • 183Divine Respite and the Firm Unyielding Plan of Allah
  • 184Refuting Accusations of Madness against Prophet Muhammad
  • 185Contemplating Cosmic Dominion and the Approaching Lifespan
  • 186Blind Wandering of Those Abandoned in Transgression
  • 187Exclusivity of the Knowledge of the Hour to Allah Alone
  • 188Prophet's Mortals Status, Non-Knowledge of Unseen, and Role as Warner
  • 189Creation of Mates from One Soul and Supplication for Offspring
  • 190Attributing Partners to Allah in Blessings and Children
  • 191Inability of Created Entities to Create Anything
  • 192, 197Inability of False Deities to Help Worshipers or Themselves
  • 193Complete Inanimacy of Idols when Called to Guidance
  • 194False Deities as Subjugated Created Servants
  • 195Demonstrating Total Physical Incompetence of Idols
  • 196Allah as the Sole Protector and Guardian of the Righteous
  • 198Deafness and Blindness of Lifeless Idols
  • 199Virtues of Pardon, Enjoining Good, and Overlooking the Ignorant
  • 200Seeking Refuge in Allah from Satanic Whispers and Provocations

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Verses 201–2066
  • 201Spiritual Vigilance and Immediate Insight of the Pious
  • 202Devils Plunging Their Human Allies Deeper into Iniquity
  • 203The Quran as Divine Insight, Guidance, and Mercy
  • 204Attentive Listening and Silence during Quranic Recitation
  • 205Constant Inner Remembrance in Humility, Fear, and Daily Vigilance
  • 206Angelic Humility, Glorification, and Perpetual Prostration to Allah

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◉ Juz 8◉ Juz 9Makkan206 Verses
History — 51%Prophethood — 37%Theology — 6%Spirituality — 3%Cosmology — 3%
Verse Tone Progression
Command (verses 1–1)Warning (verses 2–2)Command (verses 3–3)Promise (verses 4–4)Command (verses 5–6)Warning (verses 7–7)Promise (verses 8–8)Warning (verses 9–9)Praise (verses 10–10)Command (verses 11–12)Warning (verses 13–14)Command (verses 15–16)Warning (verses 17–18)Promise (verses 19–19)Command (verses 20–21)Warning (verses 22–22)Command (verses 23–23)Warning (verses 24–24)Command (verses 25–26)Promise (verses 27–27)Warning (verses 28–28)Command (verses 29–30)Promise (verses 31–31)Command (verses 32–32)Warning (verses 33–33)Command (verses 34–34)Warning (verses 35–41)Promise (verses 42–43)Warning (verses 44–44)Command (verses 45–45)Warning (verses 46–48)Command (verses 49–49)Warning (verses 50–51)Consolation (verses 52–52)Command (verses 53–54)Warning (verses 55–56)Promise (verses 57–57)Praise (verses 58–58)Warning (verses 59–60)Command (verses 61–61)Consolation (verses 62–62)Warning (verses 63–63)Consolation (verses 64–64)Command (verses 65–65)Warning (verses 66–66)Command (verses 67–67)Consolation (verses 68–68)Warning (verses 69–71)Consolation (verses 72–72)Warning (verses 73–73)Promise (verses 74–74)Command (verses 75–75)Warning (verses 76–76)Command (verses 77–77)Praise (verses 78–78)Warning (verses 79–79)Command (verses 80–81)Promise (verses 82–82)Consolation (verses 83–83)Warning (verses 84–84)Consolation (verses 85–85)Command (verses 86–86)Warning (verses 87–88)Command (verses 89–89)Warning (verses 90–90)Praise (verses 91–91)Narrative (verses 92–92)Command (verses 93–94)Warning (verses 95–95)Promise (verses 96–97)Warning (verses 98–98)Command (verses 99–99)Promise (verses 100–100)Warning (verses 101–101)Command (verses 102–102)Warning (verses 103–103)Command (verses 104–106)Warning (verses 107–107)Consolation (verses 108–108)Warning (verses 109–110)Command (verses 111–111)Praise (verses 112–112)Promise (verses 113–113)Consolation (verses 114–114)Warning (verses 115–115)Command (verses 116–116)Warning (verses 117–117)Command (verses 118–119)Praise (verses 120–120)Consolation (verses 121–121)Praise (verses 122–122)Promise (verses 123–124)Command (verses 125–125)Consolation (verses 126–126)Command (verses 127–127)Consolation (verses 128–128)Warning (verses 129–129)Promise (verses 130–131)Command (verses 132–133)Promise (verses 134–134)Warning (verses 135–135)Command (verses 136–136)Warning (verses 137–137)Command (verses 138–138)Narrative (verses 139–139)Praise (verses 140–140)Warning (verses 141–141)Promise (verses 142–142)Praise (verses 143–143)Command (verses 144–145)Warning (verses 146–147)Narrative (verses 148–148)Warning (verses 149–150)Command (verses 151–151)Warning (verses 152–152)Consolation (verses 153–156)Command (verses 157–158)Consolation (verses 159–159)Command (verses 160–162)Warning (verses 163–167)Promise (verses 168–168)Command (verses 169–169)Promise (verses 170–170)Consolation (verses 171–171)Warning (verses 172–172)Command (verses 173–173)Warning (verses 174–175)Command (verses 176–176)Narrative (verses 177–177)Promise (verses 178–178)Warning (verses 179–179)Praise (verses 180–180)Consolation (verses 181–181)Warning (verses 182–182)Consolation (verses 183–183)Warning (verses 184–184)Command (verses 185–185)Warning (verses 186–186)Command (verses 187–187)Promise (verses 188–188)Warning (verses 189–189)Command (verses 190–194)Warning (verses 195–195)Command (verses 196–197)Warning (verses 198–198)Consolation (verses 199–199)Warning (verses 200–201)Command (verses 202–202)Consolation (verses 203–203)Praise (verses 204–204)Warning (verses 205–205)Praise (verses 206–206)0265278104130156182
Command
Narrative
Promise
Warning
Consolation
Praise
Top Concept Co-Occurrences
Allahknowledge350
Allahfaith306
rejection of truthlying200
Allahmessenger188
Allahthe earth186
Allahdivine mercy125
Allahthe self123
Allahinjustice107
faithmessenger91
Allahremembrance and reflection85
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Surah Al-A'raf?
Surah Al-A'raf (الأعراف) is the 7th chapter of the Qur'an, comprising 206 verses revealed in Mecca.
What are the main themes of Surah Al-A'raf?
The main themes of Surah Al-A'raf are theology, spirituality, and prophethood.
Which key figures are mentioned in Surah Al-A'raf?
Surah Al-A'raf prominently features Musa and Adam.
What are the notable verses in Surah Al-A'raf?
Surah Al-A'raf contains Ayat al-Mithaq (7:172).
Is Surah Al-A'raf Meccan or Medinan?
Surah Al-A'raf is Meccan; it was revealed in Mecca and contains 206 verses.
Read Al-A'raf — All 206 Verses
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