Surah Ash-Shuraa
Surah 42 · The Consultation · 53 verses · meccan
The Consultation — ash-Shura, from verse 38, where the believers' affairs are decided by mutual consultation.
The story
Allah describes good people here, and one of the things He mentions is that they decide things by talking together and listening to each other — not by one person bossing everyone around.
How it unfolds
AYAH 1-15
Nothing like Him
The heavens almost breaking apart from above, angels asking forgiveness — and the verse that refuses all comparison.
AYAH 19-31
Provision measured
Provision given in measure, because unmeasured wealth would ruin people.
AYAH 36-43
By consultation
The believers described — prayer, shura, charity, and the pardon that outranks equal retaliation.
AYAH 51-53
How revelation comes
Three ways Allah speaks to a human being, and none of them is face to face.
Verses to carry
- 42:11"There is nothing like unto Him, and He is the Hearing, the Seeing."
- 42:38"Their affair is decided by consultation among themselves." Placed between prayer and charity.
- 42:40"Whoever pardons and makes reconciliation — his reward is with Allah."
Remember this
Asking other people what they think before deciding is something Allah praises.
Talk about it
When your family decides something together, who gets a say? What happens if someone is left out?