Surah Sad
Surah 38 · The Letter "Saad" · 88 verses · meccan
Sad — a single letter opening the surah, whose meaning is left with Allah.
The story
This surah tells us why Iblis refused to bow to Adam عليه السلام. He said five words: "I am better than him." That one bit of pride was the beginning of everything that went wrong.
How it unfolds
AYAH 1-16
A walk-out
The leaders leaving the meeting, and the surah's answer to their certainty.
AYAH 17-26
Dawud judged
The two litigants, the ninety-nine ewes, and a king shown his own reflection.
AYAH 30-44
Sulayman and Ayyub
Horses that made him forget, and a man whose patience became the standard.
AYAH 71-85
"I am better than him"
The refusal to bow, and the reason Iblis gave for it.
Verses to carry
- 38:29"A blessed Book We have revealed to you, that they might reflect upon its verses."
- 38:44"Indeed, We found him patient — an excellent servant." Said about Ayyub عليه السلام.
- 38:26"Judge between people with truth, and do not follow desire, for it will lead you astray."
Remember this
Thinking you are better than someone else is where trouble starts.
Talk about it
Ayyub عليه السلام lost everything and stayed patient. What is the hardest thing you have ever waited through?