Surah 15: Al-Hijr (The Rocky Tract)

Lore & Background

The surah emphasizes that every city destroyed had a known decree (Surah 15:4), and that former peoples rejected messengers before Muhammad (Surah 15:10, Surah 15:13). It describes God's creation of the heavens with stars (Surah 15:16), the earth with mountains and balanced growth (Surah 15:19), and fertilizing winds and rain (Surah 15:22). The narrative of Iblees shows his refusal to prostrate before the human created from clay (Surah 15:28, Surah 15:31), leading to his expulsion and reprieve until the Day of Judgment (Surah 15:34, Surah 15:37).

Reader's Guide

The passages portray God as the sovereign creator and judge. He creates the heavens and earth (Surah 15:16, Surah 15:19), sends winds and water (Surah 15:22), and will gather all for judgment (Surah 15:25). The surah contrasts God's mercy (Surah 15:49) with His retribution against criminal peoples (Surah 15:58, Surah 15:73). The story of Abraham shows angels bringing good tidings (Surah 15:55) and then being sent to destroy Lot's city (Surah 15:58, Surah 15:61). The people of that city are depicted as rejoicing in sin (Surah 15:67) and are seized by a shriek at sunrise (Surah 15:73). The surah also notes that both destroyed cities remain on a clear highway as a lesson (Surah 15:76, Surah 15:79).

Did You Know?

• The surah opens with the disconnected letters Alif, Lam, Ra (Surah 15:1).
• Iblees is given a reprieve until the Day of Judgment (Surah 15:37).
• Abraham's visitors gave him good tidings in truth (Surah 15:55).
• The destroyed cities are said to be on an established road (Surah 15:76).