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Surah Al-A'la

Surah 87 · The Most High · 19 verses · meccan

The Most High — al-A'la, from the opening command to glorify the name of your Lord, the Most High.

The story

This surah says Allah created you, shaped you, decided what would happen, and then showed you the way. It also promises the Prophet ﷺ: We will teach you to recite, and you will not forget.

How it unfolds

  1. AYAH 1-5

    Glorify the Most High

    Created, proportioned, destined, guided — and pasture brought out and then darkened.

  2. AYAH 6-13

    You will not forget

    The promise of preservation, and reminding where reminding helps.

  3. AYAH 14-19

    Purified and prosperous

    Whoever purifies himself, remembers, and prays — and the older scriptures that said the same.

Verses to carry

  • 87:14"He has certainly succeeded who purifies himself."
  • 87:16"But you prefer the worldly life, while the Hereafter is better and more lasting."
  • 87:8"And We will ease you toward ease."

Remember this

Allah makes things easy for people who are trying.

Talk about it

This surah says the next life is "better and lasts longer". What things in your life do not last?

Introductions to the surah in Tafsir Ibn Kathir and Mawdudi's Tafhim al-Qur'an; ayah numbering per the Madani mushaf. Its use in Witr and Eid: Muslim 878, Nasa'i 1701.

Awaiting scholar review — please read alongside a trusted tafsir.

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