Surah Al-Furqan
Surah 25 · The Criterion · 77 verses · meccan
The Criterion — al-Furqan, a name for the Quran itself: what separates truth from falsehood.
The story
At the end of this surah Allah describes His favourite kind of people. They walk gently, they do not argue with rude people — they just say "peace" — and they are careful with their money: not wasteful, not mean.
How it unfolds
AYAH 1-34
The objections
A messenger who eats and walks in markets, and a Quran not sent all at once — each objection quoted and answered.
AYAH 45-62
Signs in the ordinary
The lengthening shadow, night as a covering, sleep as rest, wind before rain, two seas that do not mix.
AYAH 63-77
The servants of the Most Merciful
Fourteen verses of character: gentleness, night prayer, moderation, avoiding falsehood — and the du'a for family.
Verses to carry
- 25:63"The servants of the Most Merciful are those who walk upon the earth gently, and when the ignorant address them, they say: peace."
- 25:74"Our Lord, grant us from among our spouses and offspring comfort to our eyes." The du'a for family life.
- 25:72"When they pass by ill speech, they pass by with dignity." A whole social ethic in one line.
Remember this
When someone is rude to you, you do not have to be rude back. You can just say salaam and walk on.
Talk about it
What would you say if someone was unkind to you and you decided to answer with "peace" instead?