Surah Al-Hijr
Surah 15 · The Rocky Tract · 99 verses · meccan
Al-Hijr — the rocky valley in the north-west of Arabia where Thamud carved their homes into the cliffs, mentioned in verses 80–84.
The story
Allah promises in this surah that He Himself will protect the Quran, so it will never be changed or lost. That is why the Quran you read today is exactly the same as the one the Prophet ﷺ received.
How it unfolds
AYAH 1-15
The Reminder guarded
The promise that the Quran will be preserved, and the mockery that has met every messenger.
AYAH 26-48
Clay and refusal
Adam formed from clay, Iblis refusing, asking for respite, and the limit set on his reach.
AYAH 51-84
Guests and towns
The news of a son for Ibrahim, the people of Lut, and the rock-carvers who felt safe in their cliffs.
AYAH 85-99
When the chest tightens
"We know your heart is constrained" — and the answer: glorify, prostrate, and worship until certainty comes.
Verses to carry
- 15:9"We sent down the Reminder, and We will be its guardian." The Quran's promise about its own preservation.
- 15:97"We know that your breast is constrained by what they say." Allah naming the Prophet's ﷺ distress before offering the cure.
- 15:88"Do not strain your eyes toward what We have given some of them to enjoy." The cure for comparison.
Remember this
When people say unkind things and your heart feels heavy, prayer is where you put it down.
Talk about it
Allah promised to guard the Quran forever. How do you think it stayed exactly the same for all these years?