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Surah Al-Ahqaf

Surah 46 · The Wind-Curved Sandhills · 35 verses · meccan

The Sand Dunes — al-Ahqaf, the dune country in southern Arabia where the people of 'Ad lived.

The story

The people of 'Ad saw a big cloud coming and cheered, because they thought it meant rain. It was actually a terrible storm. This surah also has a beautiful du'a for saying thank you for your parents.

How it unfolds

  1. AYAH 1-14

    Bring me a book

    The challenge to produce any earlier scripture supporting their claims, and "our Lord is Allah, then remained upright."

  2. AYAH 15-20

    The du'a at forty

    Thirty months, gratitude for parents, and righteousness asked for the next generation.

  3. AYAH 21-28

    The cloud over 'Ad

    A warning mistaken for rain, and a people who had been stronger than the Makkans.

  4. AYAH 29-35

    The jinn who listened

    A group who heard the recitation and went back to warn their own.

Verses to carry

  • 46:15The du'a at forty — gratitude for parents, and righteousness asked for one's children.
  • 46:13"Those who say our Lord is Allah and then remain upright — no fear will there be for them, nor will they grieve."
  • 46:35"So be patient, as were those of determination among the messengers."

Remember this

Being thankful for your parents is something Allah put in the Quran as a du'a. Try saying it for yours.

Talk about it

What is one thing your parents do for you that you have never thanked them for?

Introductions to the surah in Tafsir Ibn Kathir and Mawdudi's Tafhim al-Qur'an; ayah numbering per the Madani mushaf.

Awaiting scholar review — please read alongside a trusted tafsir.

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