Surah Saba is often reduced to a history lesson about an ancient kingdom, and that reading misses the point entirely. Many readers treat it as a story from the past with no real bearing on modern life. That assumption is exactly where the confusion begins.
For readers who like a solid reference at home, the Quran with English commentary on Amazon pairs well with the verses discussed throughout this article.
Saba (Surah): Background and Structure
Saba (surah) is the 34th chapter of the Quran, containing 54 verses. It was revealed in Makkah and takes its name from the ancient kingdom of Saba, located in what is now Yemen, once known for its remarkable prosperity.
The Insight Behind the Story
Here is the insight that makes this surah relevant today. Allah gave the people of Saba two gardens on either side of their valley, told them to eat and be grateful. Instead, they grew arrogant and asked for hardship, almost daring their blessings to end.
Also Read; Root Words of Quran
Surah Saba (سورة سبأ) — Chapter 34 – Sheba · Meccan · 54 verses
بِسْمِ اللَّهِ الرَّحْمَٰنِ الرَّحِيمِ In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful
| # | Arabic | Transliteration | Translation |
| 1 | الْحَمْدُ لِلَّهِ الَّذِي لَهُ مَا فِي السَّمَاوَاتِ وَمَا فِي الْأَرْضِ وَلَهُ الْحَمْدُ فِي الْآخِرَةِ ۚ وَهُوَ الْحَكِيمُ الْخَبِيرُ | Al-ḥamdu lillāhi alladhī lahū mā fī as-samāwāti wa mā fī al-arḍi wa lahu al-ḥamdu fī al-ākhirati wa huwa al-ḥakīmu al-khabīr | All praise belongs to Allah, to whom belongs everything in the heavens and the earth, and to Him belongs all praise in the Hereafter. He is the All-Wise, the All-Aware. |
| 2 | يَعْلَمُ مَا يَلِجُ فِي الْأَرْضِ وَمَا يَخْرُجُ مِنْهَا وَمَا يَنْزِلُ مِنَ السَّمَاءِ وَمَا يَعْرُجُ فِيهَا ۚ وَهُوَ الرَّحِيمُ الْغَفُورُ | Ya‘lamu mā yaliju fī al-arḍi wa mā yakhruju minhā wa mā yanzilu mina as-samā’i wa mā ya‘ruju fīhā wa huwa ar-raḥīmu al-ghafūr | He knows what enters the earth and what comes out of it, what descends from the sky and what ascends into it. He is the Most Merciful, the Ever-Forgiving. |
| 3 | وَقَالَ الَّذِينَ كَفَرُوا لَا تَأْتِينَا السَّاعَةُ ۖ قُلْ بَلَىٰ وَرَبِّي لَتَأْتِيَنَّكُمْ عَالِمِ الْغَيْبِ ۖ لَا يَعْزُبُ عَنْهُ مِثْقَالُ ذَرَّةٍ فِي السَّمَاوَاتِ وَلَا فِي الْأَرْضِ وَلَا أَصْغَرُ مِنْ ذَٰلِكَ وَلَا أَكْبَرُ إِلَّا فِي كِتَابٍ مُبِينٍ | Wa qāla alladhīna kafarū lā ta’tīnā as-sā‘atu, qul balā wa rabbī la-ta’tiyannakum ‘ālimi al-ghaybi lā ya‘zubu ‘anhu mithqālu dharratin fī as-samāwāti wa lā fī al-arḍi wa lā aṣgharu min dhālika wa lā akbaru illā fī kitābin mubīn | The disbelievers say, “The Hour will never come to us.” Say, “Yes, by my Lord, it will surely come to you — the Knower of the unseen, from whom not even an atom’s weight is hidden, in the heavens or on earth, nor anything smaller or larger than that, but it is in a clear record.” |
| 4 | لِيَجْزِيَ الَّذِينَ آمَنُوا وَعَمِلُوا الصَّالِحَاتِ ۚ أُولَٰئِكَ لَهُمْ مَغْفِرَةٌ وَرِزْقٌ كَرِيمٌ | Li-yajziya alladhīna āmanū wa ‘amilū aṣ-ṣāliḥāti ulā’ika lahum maghfiratun wa rizqun karīm | So that He may reward those who believe and do righteous deeds — for them is forgiveness and honourable provision. |
| 5 | وَالَّذِينَ سَعَوْا فِي آيَاتِنَا مُعَاجِزِينَ أُولَٰئِكَ لَهُمْ عَذَابٌ مِنْ رِجْزٍ أَلِيمٌ | Wa alladhīna sa‘aw fī āyātinā mu‘ājizīna ulā’ika lahum ‘adhābun min rijzin alīm | But those who strive against Our signs, seeking to thwart them — for them is a painful punishment of torment. |
| 6 | وَيَرَى الَّذِينَ أُوتُوا الْعِلْمَ الَّذِي أُنْزِلَ إِلَيْكَ مِنْ رَبِّكَ هُوَ الْحَقَّ وَيَهْدِي إِلَىٰ صِرَاطِ الْعَزِيزِ الْحَمِيدِ | Wa yarā alladhīna ūtū al-‘ilma alladhī unzila ilayka min rabbika huwa al-ḥaqqa wa yahdī ilā ṣirāṭi al-‘azīzi al-ḥamīd | Those given knowledge see that what has been revealed to you from your Lord is the truth, guiding to the path of the Almighty, the Praiseworthy. |
| 7 | وَقَالَ الَّذِينَ كَفَرُوا هَلْ نَدُلُّكُمْ عَلَىٰ رَجُلٍ يُنَبِّئُكُمْ إِذَا مُزِّقْتُمْ كُلَّ مُمَزَّقٍ إِنَّكُمْ لَفِي خَلْقٍ جَدِيدٍ | Wa qāla alladhīna kafarū hal nadullukum ‘alā rajulin yunabbi’ukum idhā muzziqtum kulla mumazzaqin innakum lafī khalqin jadīd | The disbelievers say, “Shall we show you a man who claims that when you are utterly disintegrated, you will be raised in a new creation? |
| 8 | أَفْتَرَىٰ عَلَى اللَّهِ كَذِبًا أَمْ بِهِ جِنَّةٌ ۗ بَلِ الَّذِينَ لَا يُؤْمِنُونَ بِالْآخِرَةِ فِي الْعَذَابِ وَالضَّلَالِ الْبَعِيدِ | Aftarā ‘alā Allāhi kadhiban am bihi jinnatun, bali alladhīna lā yu’minūna bil-ākhirati fī al-‘adhābi wa aḍ-ḍalāli al-ba‘īd | Has he invented a lie about Allah, or is there madness in him?” Rather, it is those who disbelieve in the Hereafter who are in torment and far astray. |
| 9 | أَفَلَمْ يَرَوْا إِلَىٰ مَا بَيْنَ أَيْدِيهِمْ وَمَا خَلْفَهُمْ مِنَ السَّمَاءِ وَالْأَرْضِ ۚ إِنْ نَشَأْ نَخْسِفْ بِهِمُ الْأَرْضَ أَوْ نُسْقِطْ عَلَيْهِمْ كِسَفًا مِنَ السَّمَاءِ ۚ إِنَّ فِي ذَٰلِكَ لَآيَةً لِكُلِّ عَبْدٍ مُنِيبٍ | Afalam yaraw ilā mā bayna aydīhim wa mā khalfahum mina as-samā’i wal-arḍ, in nasha’ nakhsif bihimu al-arḍa aw nusqiṭ ‘alayhim kisafan mina as-samā’, inna fī dhālika la-āyatan li-kulli ‘abdin munīb | Do they not see what is before and behind them of the sky and the earth? If We willed, We could make the earth swallow them, or drop upon them fragments from the sky. In that is a sign for every servant who turns to Allah. |
| 10 | وَلَقَدْ آتَيْنَا دَاوُودَ مِنَّا فَضْلًا ۖ يَا جِبَالُ أَوِّبِي مَعَهُ وَالطَّيْرَ ۖ وَأَلَنَّا لَهُ الْحَدِيدَ | Wa laqad ātaynā Dāwūda minnā faḍlan, yā jibālu awwibī ma‘ahu wa aṭ-ṭayra wa alannā lahu al-ḥadīd | We certainly gave David a favour from Us: “O mountains, echo his praises with him, and the birds as well.” And We softened iron for him. |
| 11 | أَنِ اعْمَلْ سَابِغَاتٍ وَقَدِّرْ فِي السَّرْدِ ۖ وَاعْمَلُوا صَالِحًا ۖ إِنِّي بِمَا تَعْمَلُونَ بَصِيرٌ | Ani i‘mal sābighātin wa qaddir fī as-sardi, wa i‘malū ṣāliḥan innī bimā ta‘malūna baṣīr | “Make coats of mail and measure well their links; and do righteous deeds, for I am Seeing of what you do.” |
| 12 | وَلِسُلَيْمَانَ الرِّيحَ غُدُوُّهَا شَهْرٌ وَرَوَاحُهَا شَهْرٌ ۖ وَأَسَلْنَا لَهُ عَيْنَ الْقِطْرِ ۖ وَمِنَ الْجِنِّ مَنْ يَعْمَلُ بَيْنَ يَدَيْهِ بِإِذْنِ رَبِّهِ ۖ وَمَنْ يَزِغْ مِنْهُمْ عَنْ أَمْرِنَا نُذِقْهُ مِنْ عَذَابِ السَّعِيرِ | Wa li-Sulaymāna ar-rīḥa ghuduwwuhā shahrun wa rawāḥuhā shahrun, wa asalnā lahu ‘ayna al-qiṭri wa mina al-jinni man ya‘malu bayna yadayhi bi-idhni rabbihi, wa man yazigh minhum ‘an amrinā nudhiqhu min ‘adhābi as-sa‘īr | And to Solomon (We subjected) the wind: its morning course was a month’s journey and its evening course a month’s journey. And We made a fount of molten copper flow for him. And of the jinn were some who worked before him by his Lord’s permission; and whoever of them deviated from Our command, We caused him to taste the punishment of the Blaze. |
| 13 | يَعْمَلُونَ لَهُ مَا يَشَاءُ مِنْ مَحَارِيبَ وَتَمَاثِيلَ وَجِفَانٍ كَالْجَوَابِ وَقُدُورٍ رَاسِيَاتٍ ۚ اعْمَلُوا آلَ دَاوُودَ شُكْرًا ۚ وَقَلِيلٌ مِنْ عِبَادِيَ الشَّكُورُ | Ya‘malūna lahu mā yashā’u min maḥārība wa tamāthīla wa jifānin kal-jawābi wa qudūrin rāsiyāt, i‘malū āla Dāwūda shukran wa qalīlun min ‘ibādiya ash-shakūr | They made for him what he willed of sanctuaries, statues, basins like reservoirs, and fixed cooking pots. “Work, O family of David, in gratitude.” But few of My servants are truly grateful. |
| 14 | فَلَمَّا قَضَيْنَا عَلَيْهِ الْمَوْتَ مَا دَلَّهُمْ عَلَىٰ مَوْتِهِ إِلَّا دَابَّةُ الْأَرْضِ تَأْكُلُ مِنْسَأَتَهُ ۖ فَلَمَّا خَرَّ تَبَيَّنَتِ الْجِنُّ أَنْ لَوْ كَانُوا يَعْلَمُونَ الْغَيْبَ مَا لَبِثُوا فِي الْعَذَابِ الْمُهِينِ | Falammā qaḍaynā ‘alayhi al-mawta mā dallahum ‘alā mawtihi illā dābbatu al-arḍi ta’kulu minsa’atahu, falammā kharra tabayyanati al-jinnu an law kānū ya‘lamūna al-ghayba mā labithū fī al-‘adhābi al-muhīn | Then when We decreed death for him, nothing showed them his death except a creature of the earth eating away his staff. So when he fell, the jinn realised that if they had known the unseen, they would not have remained in humiliating punishment. |
| 15 | لَقَدْ كَانَ لِسَبَإٍ فِي مَسْكَنِهِمْ آيَةٌ ۖ جَنَّتَانِ عَنْ يَمِينٍ وَشِمَالٍ ۖ كُلُوا مِنْ رِزْقِ رَبِّكُمْ وَاشْكُرُوا لَهُ ۚ بَلْدَةٌ طَيِّبَةٌ وَرَبٌّ غَفُورٌ | Laqad kāna li-Saba’in fī maskanihim āyatun, jannatāni ‘an yamīnin wa shimālin, kulū min rizqi rabbikum wa ashkurū lahu, baldatun ṭayyibatun wa rabbun ghafūr | There was indeed a sign for the people of Sheba in their dwelling place: two gardens, on the right and on the left. “Eat from the provision of your Lord and be grateful to Him — a good land and a forgiving Lord.” |
| 16 | فَأَعْرَضُوا فَأَرْسَلْنَا عَلَيْهِمْ سَيْلَ الْعَرِمِ وَبَدَّلْنَاهُمْ بِجَنَّتَيْهِمْ جَنَّتَيْنِ ذَوَاتَيْ أُكُلٍ خَمْطٍ وَأَثْلٍ وَشَيْءٍ مِنْ سِدْرٍ قَلِيلٍ | Fa a‘raḍū fa arsalnā ‘alayhim sayla al-‘arimi wa baddalnāhum bi-jannatayhim jannatayni dhawātay ukulin khamṭin wa athlin wa shay’in min sidrin qalīl | But they turned away, so We sent upon them the flood of the dam, and We replaced their two gardens with two gardens of bitter fruit, tamarisk, and a few lote trees. |
| 17 | ذَٰلِكَ جَزَيْنَاهُمْ بِمَا كَفَرُوا ۖ وَهَلْ نُجَازِي إِلَّا الْكَفُورَ | Dhālika jazaynāhum bimā kafarū, wa hal nujāzī illā al-kafūr | That is how We repaid them for their ingratitude. Do We ever repay in this way except the ungrateful? |
| 18 | وَجَعَلْنَا بَيْنَهُمْ وَبَيْنَ الْقُرَى الَّتِي بَارَكْنَا فِيهَا قُرًى ظَاهِرَةً وَقَدَّرْنَا فِيهَا السَّيْرَ ۖ سِيرُوا فِيهَا لَيَالِيَ وَأَيَّامًا آمِنِينَ | Wa ja‘alnā baynahum wa bayna al-qurā allatī bāraknā fīhā quran ẓāhiratan wa qaddarnā fīhā as-sayra, sīrū fīhā layāliya wa ayyāman āminīn | And We placed between them and the towns which We had blessed, other towns easily visible, and We made the journey between them easy: “Travel among them by night and day in safety.” |
| 19 | فَقَالُوا رَبَّنَا بَاعِدْ بَيْنَ أَسْفَارِنَا وَظَلَمُوا أَنْفُسَهُمْ فَجَعَلْنَاهُمْ أَحَادِيثَ وَمَزَّقْنَاهُمْ كُلَّ مُمَزَّقٍ ۚ إِنَّ فِي ذَٰلِكَ لَآيَاتٍ لِكُلِّ صَبَّارٍ شَكُورٍ | Faqālū rabbanā bā‘id bayna asfārinā wa ẓalamū anfusahum fa ja‘alnāhum aḥādītha wa mazzaqnāhum kulla mumazzaq, inna fī dhālika la-āyātin li-kulli ṣabbārin shakūr | But they said, “Our Lord, lengthen the distance between our journeys,” and wronged themselves, so We made them narrations and scattered them in complete dispersion. Indeed in that are signs for everyone patient and grateful. |
| 20 | وَلَقَدْ صَدَّقَ عَلَيْهِمْ إِبْلِيسُ ظَنَّهُ فَاتَّبَعُوهُ إِلَّا فَرِيقًا مِنَ الْمُؤْمِنِينَ | Wa laqad ṣaddaqa ‘alayhim iblīsu ẓannahu fattaba‘ūhu illā farīqan mina al-mu’minīn | Indeed, Satan’s assumption about them proved true, and they followed him, except a group of believers. |
| 21 | وَمَا كَانَ لَهُ عَلَيْهِمْ مِنْ سُلْطَانٍ إِلَّا لِنَعْلَمَ مَنْ يُؤْمِنُ بِالْآخِرَةِ مِمَّنْ هُوَ مِنْهَا فِي شَكٍّ ۗ وَرَبُّكَ عَلَىٰ كُلِّ شَيْءٍ حَفِيظٌ | Wa mā kāna lahu ‘alayhim min sulṭānin illā li-na‘lama man yu’minu bil-ākhirati mimman huwa minhā fī shakk, wa rabbuka ‘alā kulli shay’in ḥafīẓ | He had no authority over them, except that We might make evident who believes in the Hereafter from who is in doubt about it. Your Lord is Guardian over all things. |
| 22 | قُلِ ادْعُوا الَّذِينَ زَعَمْتُمْ مِنْ دُونِ اللَّهِ ۖ لَا يَمْلِكُونَ مِثْقَالَ ذَرَّةٍ فِي السَّمَاوَاتِ وَلَا فِي الْأَرْضِ وَمَا لَهُمْ فِيهِمَا مِنْ شِرْكٍ وَمَا لَهُ مِنْهُمْ مِنْ ظَهِيرٍ | Quli ud‘ū alladhīna za‘amtum min dūni Allāhi, lā yamlikūna mithqāla dharratin fī as-samāwāti wa lā fī al-arḍi wa mā lahum fīhimā min shirkin wa mā lahu minhum min ẓahīr | Say, “Call upon those you claim besides Allah. They do not possess an atom’s weight, in the heavens or the earth, nor do they have any share in them, nor is any of them a helper to Him.” |
| 23 | وَلَا تَنْفَعُ الشَّفَاعَةُ عِنْدَهُ إِلَّا لِمَنْ أَذِنَ لَهُ ۚ حَتَّىٰ إِذَا فُزِّعَ عَنْ قُلُوبِهِمْ قَالُوا مَاذَا قَالَ رَبُّكُمْ ۖ قَالُوا الْحَقَّ ۖ وَهُوَ الْعَلِيُّ الْكَبِيرُ | Wa lā tanfa‘u ash-shafā‘atu ‘indahu illā liman adhina lahu, ḥattā idhā fuzzi‘a ‘an qulūbihim qālū mādhā qāla rabbukum, qālū al-ḥaqqa wa huwa al-‘aliyyu al-kabīr | Intercession does not benefit with Him except for one He permits. Until, when terror is removed from their hearts, they will say, “What did your Lord say?” They will say, “The truth. And He is the Most High, the Most Great.” |
| 24 | قُلْ مَنْ يَرْزُقُكُمْ مِنَ السَّمَاوَاتِ وَالْأَرْضِ ۖ قُلِ اللَّهُ ۖ وَإِنَّا أَوْ إِيَّاكُمْ لَعَلَىٰ هُدًى أَوْ فِي ضَلَالٍ مُبِينٍ | Qul man yarzuqukum mina as-samāwāti wal-arḍ, quli Allāhu, wa innā aw iyyākum la-‘alā hudan aw fī ḍalālin mubīn | Say, “Who provides for you from the heavens and the earth?” Say, “Allah. And indeed, we or you are surely upon guidance or in clear error.” |
| 25 | قُلْ لَا تُسْأَلُونَ عَمَّا أَجْرَمْنَا وَلَا نُسْأَلُ عَمَّا تَعْمَلُونَ | Qul lā tus’alūna ‘ammā ajramnā wa lā nus’alu ‘ammā ta‘malūn | Say, “You will not be asked about what we have done wrong, nor will we be asked about what you do.” |
| 26 | قُلْ يَجْمَعُ بَيْنَنَا رَبُّنَا ثُمَّ يَفْتَحُ بَيْنَنَا بِالْحَقِّ وَهُوَ الْفَتَّاحُ الْعَلِيمُ | Qul yajma‘u baynanā rabbunā thumma yaftaḥu baynanā bil-ḥaqqi wa huwa al-fattāḥu al-‘alīm | Say, “Our Lord will bring us together, then He will judge between us in truth. He is the Just Judge, the All-Knowing.” |
| 27 | قُلْ أَرُونِيَ الَّذِينَ أَلْحَقْتُمْ بِهِ شُرَكَاءَ ۖ كَلَّا ۚ بَلْ هُوَ اللَّهُ الْعَزِيزُ الْحَكِيمُ | Qul arūniya alladhīna alḥaqtum bihi shurakā’a, kallā, bal huwa Allāhu al-‘azīzu al-ḥakīm | Say, “Show me those you have joined to Him as partners. No indeed! Rather, He is Allah, the Almighty, the All-Wise.” |
| 28 | وَمَا أَرْسَلْنَاكَ إِلَّا كَافَّةً لِلنَّاسِ بَشِيرًا وَنَذِيرًا وَلَٰكِنَّ أَكْثَرَ النَّاسِ لَا يَعْلَمُونَ | Wa mā arsalnāka illā kāffatan lin-nāsi bashīran wa nadhīran wa lākinna akthara an-nāsi lā ya‘lamūn | We have not sent you except to all of mankind as a bringer of good tidings and a warner, but most people do not know. |
| 29 | وَيَقُولُونَ مَتَىٰ هَٰذَا الْوَعْدُ إِنْ كُنْتُمْ صَادِقِينَ | Wa yaqūlūna matā hādhā al-wa‘du in kuntum ṣādiqīn | And they say, “When is this promise, if you should be truthful?” |
| 30 | قُلْ لَكُمْ مِيعَادُ يَوْمٍ لَا تَسْتَأْخِرُونَ عَنْهُ سَاعَةً وَلَا تَسْتَقْدِمُونَ | Qul lakum mī‘ādu yawmin lā tasta’khirūna ‘anhu sā‘atan wa lā tastaqdimūn | Say, “For you is the appointment of a Day you cannot postpone by an hour, nor can you bring it forward.” |
| 31 | وَقَالَ الَّذِينَ كَفَرُوا لَنْ نُؤْمِنَ بِهَٰذَا الْقُرْآنِ وَلَا بِالَّذِي بَيْنَ يَدَيْهِ ۗ وَلَوْ تَرَىٰ إِذِ الظَّالِمُونَ مَوْقُوفُونَ عِنْدَ رَبِّهِمْ يَرْجِعُ بَعْضُهُمْ إِلَىٰ بَعْضٍ الْقَوْلَ يَقُولُ الَّذِينَ اسْتُضْعِفُوا لِلَّذِينَ اسْتَكْبَرُوا لَوْلَا أَنْتُمْ لَكُنَّا مُؤْمِنِينَ | Wa qāla alladhīna kafarū lan nu’mina bihādhā al-qur’āni wa lā billadhī bayna yadayhi, wa law tarā idhi aẓ-ẓālimūna mawqūfūna ‘inda rabbihim yarji‘u ba‘ḍuhum ilā ba‘ḍin al-qawla, yaqūlu alladhīna istuḍ‘ifū lilladhīna istakbarū lawlā antum lakunnā mu’minīn | The disbelievers say, “We will never believe in this Quran nor in what came before it.” If only you could see when the wrongdoers are made to stand before their Lord, throwing back words at one another. Those who were oppressed will say to those who were arrogant, “If not for you, we would have been believers.” |
| 32 | قَالَ الَّذِينَ اسْتَكْبَرُوا لِلَّذِينَ اسْتُضْعِفُوا أَنَحْنُ صَدَدْنَاكُمْ عَنِ الْهُدَىٰ بَعْدَ إِذْ جَاءَكُمْ ۖ بَلْ كُنْتُمْ مُجْرِمِينَ | Qāla alladhīna istakbarū lilladhīna istuḍ‘ifū anaḥnu ṣadadnākum ‘ani al-hudā ba‘da idh jā’akum, bal kuntum mujrimīn | Those who were arrogant will say to those who were oppressed, “Did we avert you from guidance after it had come to you? Rather, you were criminals.” |
| 33 | وَقَالَ الَّذِينَ اسْتُضْعِفُوا لِلَّذِينَ اسْتَكْبَرُوا بَلْ مَكْرُ اللَّيْلِ وَالنَّهَارِ إِذْ تَأْمُرُونَنَا أَنْ نَكْفُرَ بِاللَّهِ وَنَجْعَلَ لَهُ أَنْدَادًا ۚ وَأَسَرُّوا النَّدَامَةَ لَمَّا رَأَوُا الْعَذَابَ وَجَعَلْنَا الْأَغْلَالَ فِي أَعْنَاقِ الَّذِينَ كَفَرُوا ۚ هَلْ يُجْزَوْنَ إِلَّا مَا كَانُوا يَعْمَلُونَ | Wa qāla alladhīna istuḍ‘ifū lilladhīna istakbarū bal makru al-layli wan-nahāri idh ta’murūnanā an nakfura billāhi wa naj‘ala lahu andādan, wa asarrū an-nadāmata lammā ra’awu al-‘adhāba wa ja‘alnā al-aghlāla fī a‘nāqi alladhīna kafarū, hal yujzawna illā mā kānū ya‘malūn | Those who were oppressed will say to those who were arrogant, “Rather, it was your plotting night and day, when you ordered us to disbelieve in Allah and set up rivals to Him.” They will conceal their regret when they see the punishment, and We will place shackles on the necks of the disbelievers. Are they repaid except for what they used to do? |
| 34 | وَمَا أَرْسَلْنَا فِي قَرْيَةٍ مِنْ نَذِيرٍ إِلَّا قَالَ مُتْرَفُوهَا إِنَّا بِمَا أُرْسِلْتُمْ بِهِ كَافِرُونَ | Wa mā arsalnā fī qaryatin min nadhīrin illā qāla mutrafūhā innā bimā ursiltum bihi kāfirūn | And We did not send a warner to any city except that its affluent said, “We disbelieve in what you were sent with.” |
| 35 | وَقَالُوا نَحْنُ أَكْثَرُ أَمْوَالًا وَأَوْلَادًا وَمَا نَحْنُ بِمُعَذَّبِينَ | Wa qālū naḥnu aktharu amwālan wa awlādan wa mā naḥnu bi-mu‘adhdhabīn | And they said, “We have more wealth and children, and we will not be punished.” |
| 36 | قُلْ إِنَّ رَبِّي يَبْسُطُ الرِّزْقَ لِمَنْ يَشَاءُ وَيَقْدِرُ وَلَٰكِنَّ أَكْثَرَ النَّاسِ لَا يَعْلَمُونَ | Qul inna rabbī yabsuṭu ar-rizqa liman yashā’u wa yaqdiru wa lākinna akthara an-nāsi lā ya‘lamūn | Say, “Indeed, my Lord extends provision for whom He wills and restricts it, but most people do not know.” |
| 37 | وَمَا أَمْوَالُكُمْ وَلَا أَوْلَادُكُمْ بِالَّتِي تُقَرِّبُكُمْ عِنْدَنَا زُلْفَىٰ إِلَّا مَنْ آمَنَ وَعَمِلَ صَالِحًا فَأُولَٰئِكَ لَهُمْ جَزَاءُ الضِّعْفِ بِمَا عَمِلُوا وَهُمْ فِي الْغُرُفَاتِ آمِنُونَ | Wa mā amwālukum wa lā awlādukum billatī tuqarribukum ‘indanā zulfā illā man āmana wa ‘amila ṣāliḥan fa-ulā’ika lahum jazā’u aḍ-ḍi‘fi bimā ‘amilū wa hum fī al-ghurufāti āminūn | It is not your wealth or your children that bring you nearer to Us, but whoever believes and does righteousness — for them is a multiplied reward for what they did, and they will be secure in high dwellings. |
| 38 | وَالَّذِينَ يَسْعَوْنَ فِي آيَاتِنَا مُعَاجِزِينَ أُولَٰئِكَ فِي الْعَذَابِ مُحْضَرُونَ | Wal-ladhīna yas‘awna fī āyātinā mu‘ājizīna ulā’ika fī al-‘adhābi muḥḍarūn | But those who strive against Our signs to thwart them — they will be brought into the punishment. |
| 39 | قُلْ إِنَّ رَبِّي يَبْسُطُ الرِّزْقَ لِمَنْ يَشَاءُ مِنْ عِبَادِهِ وَيَقْدِرُ لَهُ ۚ وَمَا أَنْفَقْتُمْ مِنْ شَيْءٍ فَهُوَ يُخْلِفُهُ ۖ وَهُوَ خَيْرُ الرَّازِقِينَ | Qul inna rabbī yabsuṭu ar-rizqa liman yashā’u min ‘ibādihi wa yaqdiru lahu, wa mā anfaqtum min shay’in fahuwa yukhlifuhu wa huwa khayru ar-rāziqīn | Say, “My Lord extends provision for whom He wills of His servants and restricts it for him. Whatever you spend, He will replace it, and He is the best of providers.” |
| 40 | وَيَوْمَ يَحْشُرُهُمْ جَمِيعًا ثُمَّ يَقُولُ لِلْمَلَائِكَةِ أَهَٰؤُلَاءِ إِيَّاكُمْ كَانُوا يَعْبُدُونَ | Wa yawma yaḥshuruhum jamī‘an thumma yaqūlu lil-malā’ikati a-hā’ulā’i iyyākum kānū ya‘budūn | And on the Day He will gather them all together, then say to the angels, “Was it you that these used to worship?” |
| 41 | قَالُوا سُبْحَانَكَ أَنْتَ وَلِيُّنَا مِنْ دُونِهِمْ ۖ بَلْ كَانُوا يَعْبُدُونَ الْجِنَّ ۖ أَكْثَرُهُمْ بِهِمْ مُؤْمِنُونَ | Qālū subḥānaka anta waliyyunā min dūnihim, bal kānū ya‘budūna al-jinna aktharuhum bihim mu’minūn | They will say, “Glory be to You! You are our protector, not them. Rather, they used to worship the jinn; most of them believed in them.” |
| 42 | فَالْيَوْمَ لَا يَمْلِكُ بَعْضُكُمْ لِبَعْضٍ نَفْعًا وَلَا ضَرًّا وَنَقُولُ لِلَّذِينَ ظَلَمُوا ذُوقُوا عَذَابَ النَّارِ الَّتِي كُنْتُمْ بِهَا تُكَذِّبُونَ | Fal-yawma lā yamliku ba‘ḍukum liba‘ḍin naf‘an wa lā ḍarran wa naqūlu lilladhīna ẓalamū dhūqū ‘adhāba an-nāri allatī kuntum bihā tukadhdhibūn | So today none of you has power to benefit or harm another, and We will say to the wrongdoers, “Taste the punishment of the Fire, which you used to deny.” |
| 43 | وَإِذَا تُتْلَىٰ عَلَيْهِمْ آيَاتُنَا بَيِّنَاتٍ قَالُوا مَا هَٰذَا إِلَّا رَجُلٌ يُرِيدُ أَنْ يَصُدَّكُمْ عَمَّا كَانَ يَعْبُدُ آبَاؤُكُمْ وَقَالُوا مَا هَٰذَا إِلَّا إِفْكٌ مُفْتَرًى ۚ وَقَالَ الَّذِينَ كَفَرُوا لِلْحَقِّ لَمَّا جَاءَهُمْ إِنْ هَٰذَا إِلَّا سِحْرٌ مُبِينٌ | Wa idhā tutlā ‘alayhim āyātunā bayyinātin qālū mā hādhā illā rajulun yurīdu an yaṣuddakum ‘ammā kāna ya‘budu ābā’ukum wa qālū mā hādhā illā ifkun muftaran, wa qāla alladhīna kafarū lil-ḥaqqi lammā jā’ahum in hādhā illā siḥrun mubīn | When Our clear verses are recited to them, they say, “This is only a man who wishes to turn you away from what your fathers used to worship.” And they say, “This is nothing but a fabricated lie.” And the disbelievers say of the truth when it comes to them, “This is nothing but obvious magic.” |
| 44 | وَمَا آتَيْنَاهُمْ مِنْ كُتُبٍ يَدْرُسُونَهَا ۖ وَمَا أَرْسَلْنَا إِلَيْهِمْ قَبْلَكَ مِنْ نَذِيرٍ | Wa mā ātaynāhum min kutubin yadrusūnahā wa mā arsalnā ilayhim qablaka min nadhīr | We had not given them any scriptures to study, nor had We sent to them before you any warner. |
| 45 | وَكَذَّبَ الَّذِينَ مِنْ قَبْلِهِمْ وَمَا بَلَغُوا مِعْشَارَ مَا آتَيْنَاهُمْ فَكَذَّبُوا رُسُلِي ۖ فَكَيْفَ كَانَ نَكِيرِ | Wa kadhdhaba alladhīna min qablihim wa mā balaghū mi‘shāra mā ātaynāhum fa-kadhdhabū rusulī, fa-kayfa kāna nakīr | And those before them denied, and these have not attained a tenth of what We had given the former, yet they denied My messengers. So how terrible was My rejection! |
| 46 | قُلْ إِنَّمَا أَعِظُكُمْ بِوَاحِدَةٍ ۖ أَنْ تَقُومُوا لِلَّهِ مَثْنَىٰ وَفُرَادَىٰ ثُمَّ تَتَفَكَّرُوا ۚ مَا بِصَاحِبِكُمْ مِنْ جِنَّةٍ ۚ إِنْ هُوَ إِلَّا نَذِيرٌ لَكُمْ بَيْنَ يَدَيْ عَذَابٍ شَدِيدٍ | Qul innamā a‘iẓukum bi-wāḥidatin an taqūmū lillāhi mathnā wa furādā thumma tatafakkarū, mā bi-ṣāḥibikum min jinnatin, in huwa illā nadhīrun lakum bayna yaday ‘adhābin shadīd | Say, “I only advise you of one thing: that you stand for Allah, two by two or individually, then reflect. Your companion is not possessed by madness; he is only a warner to you before a severe punishment.” |
| 47 | قُلْ مَا سَأَلْتُكُمْ مِنْ أَجْرٍ فَهُوَ لَكُمْ ۖ إِنْ أَجْرِيَ إِلَّا عَلَى اللَّهِ ۖ وَهُوَ عَلَىٰ كُلِّ شَيْءٍ شَهِيدٌ | Qul mā sa’altukum min ajrin fahuwa lakum, in ajriya illā ‘alā Allāhi, wa huwa ‘alā kulli shay’in shahīd | Say, “Whatever reward I might have asked of you is yours. My reward is only from Allah, and He is Witness over all things.” |
| 48 | قُلْ إِنَّ رَبِّي يَقْذِفُ بِالْحَقِّ عَلَّامُ الْغُيُوبِ | Qul inna rabbī yaqdhifu bil-ḥaqqi ‘allāmu al-ghuyūb | Say, “My Lord projects the truth — the Knower of the unseen.” |
| 49 | قُلْ جَاءَ الْحَقُّ وَمَا يُبْدِئُ الْبَاطِلُ وَمَا يُعِيدُ | Qul jā’a al-ḥaqqu wa mā yubdi’u al-bāṭilu wa mā yu‘īd | Say, “The truth has come, and falsehood can neither begin anything nor repeat it.” |
| 50 | قُلْ إِنْ ضَلَلْتُ فَإِنَّمَا أَضِلُّ عَلَىٰ نَفْسِي ۖ وَإِنِ اهْتَدَيْتُ فَبِمَا يُوحِي إِلَيَّ رَبِّي ۚ إِنَّهُ سَمِيعٌ قَرِيبٌ | Qul in ḍalaltu fa-innamā aḍillu ‘alā nafsī, wa ini ihtadaytu fabimā yūḥī ilayya rabbī, innahu samī‘un qarīb | Say, “If I err, I only err against myself. But if I am guided, it is because of what my Lord reveals to me. He is All-Hearing, Near.” |
| 51 | وَلَوْ تَرَىٰ إِذْ فَزِعُوا فَلَا فَوْتَ وَأُخِذُوا مِنْ مَكَانٍ قَرِيبٍ | Wa law tarā idh fazi‘ū falā fawta wa ukhidhū min makānin qarīb | If you could only see when they are terrified, with no escape, and are seized from a nearby place. |
| 52 | وَقَالُوا آمَنَّا بِهِ وَأَنَّىٰ لَهُمُ التَّنَاوُشُ مِنْ مَكَانٍ بَعِيدٍ | Wa qālū āmannā bihi wa annā lahumu at-tanāwushu min makānin ba‘īd | And they will say, “We believe in it,” but how can they attain it from a place so far off, |
| 53 | وَقَدْ كَفَرُوا بِهِ مِنْ قَبْلُ ۖ وَيَقْذِفُونَ بِالْغَيْبِ مِنْ مَكَانٍ بَعِيدٍ | Wa qad kafarū bihi min qablu wa yaqdhifūna bil-ghaybi min makānin ba‘īd | Seeing that they disbelieved in it before, guessing at the unseen from a far-off place? |
| 54 | وَحِيلَ بَيْنَهُمْ وَبَيْنَ مَا يَشْتَهُونَ كَمَا فُعِلَ بِأَشْيَاعِهِمْ مِنْ قَبْلُ ۚ إِنَّهُمْ كَانُوا فِي شَكٍّ مُرِيبٍ | Wa ḥīla baynahum wa bayna mā yashtahūna kamā fu‘ila bi-ashyā‘ihim min qablu, innahum kānū fī shakkin murīb | And a barrier will be placed between them and what they desire, just as was done with their kind before. Indeed, they were in disquieting doubt. |
Also Read: A List of 114 Quran Surahs in The Holy Quran
Importance of Surah Saba
Recognizing why this chapter matters helps its message hit harder. A few consistent reasons explain why scholars and everyday readers keep returning to Surah Saba.
- It teaches that wealth and comfort are tests, not permanent rewards for good behavior.
- It reinforces accountability, showing that even prosperous nations face consequences for arrogance.
- It confirms prophethood by referencing Dawud (AS) and Sulaiman (AS), both given remarkable blessings.
- It reminds readers that gratitude, not just possession, determines whether blessings remain protected.
Benefits of Surah Saba
The benefits of surah saba come from reflecting honestly on its warnings, not from treating recitation as a ritual disconnected from meaning. A few practical outcomes stand out clearly.
- It builds gratitude by showing what happens when blessings are taken for granted.
- It encourages humility, using Sulaiman’s story to show how power can stay grounded in faith.
- It sharpens awareness of pride as a quiet danger, one that grows slowly before causing collapse.
- It reinforces trust that God’s plan continues even after apparent loss or hardship.
Qur’an References from Surah Saba
Reading the actual verses always teaches more than any summary. Below are two verses from this chapter, with short meanings and direct links for deeper study.
Surah Saba, Ayah 15 Transliteration: Laqad kaana li Saba’in fee maskanihim aayah, jannataani ‘an yameenin wa shimaal Meaning: “There was for the tribe of Saba a sign in their dwelling place: two gardens on the right and left.” Read on Alim.org
Surah Saba, Ayah 39 Transliteration: Wa maa anfaqtum min shay’in fahuwa yukhlifuh, wa huwa khayrur raaziqeen Meaning: “Whatever you spend, He will replace it, and He is the best of providers.” Read on Alim.org
Hadith References Related to Its Themes
Hadith narrations bring extra depth to this surah’s message about gratitude and provision. Below are two authentic references connected directly to those themes.
Sahih al-Bukhari A narration explaining how gratitude for small blessings often leads to greater ones, echoing the surah’s warning about taking comfort for granted. Sahih al-Bukhari on Sunnah.com
Sahih Muslim A hadith describing how spending in charity never actually decreases wealth, directly matching the surah’s promise about provision being replaced. Sahih Muslim on Sunnah.com
Also Read: Quran Filetype PDF Free Download
A Quick Overview Table
| Detail | Information |
| Surah Name | Surah Saba |
| Number | 34th Surah |
| Total Verses | 54 |
| Place of Revelation | Makkah |
| Juz | 22 |
| Main Themes | Gratitude, Accountability, Prophethood |
Recommended Fiqh Reading
For readers wanting deeper classical grounding alongside Quranic study, two Hanafi fiqh titles worth locating in libraries or trusted archives are:
- Bidayat al-Mubtadi by Burhan al-Din al-Marghinani
- Al-Ikhtiyar li Ta’lil al-Mukhtar by Abdullah ibn Mahmud al-Mawsili
Both remain respected references for students building a solid foundation in Hanafi jurisprudence.
Where Else to Learn and Ask Questions
Questions naturally follow deeper reading, and outside input helps settle them. The Islamic Teachings Forum allows you to post specific questions and read responses from experienced community members.
For verified religious rulings, IslamQA offers a searchable archive answered by qualified scholars, useful whenever a doubt needs a clear, sourced answer rather than guesswork.
For broader background, the Wikipedia entry on Sheba covers the historical kingdom referenced in this surah, while the Britannica overview of Quranic narratives explains how such stories function within the wider text.
Learn Quran for Free
You do not have to study Surah Saba alone. Free, guided lessons are available for anyone wanting structured help with Tafsir, Tajweed, or basic Arabic reading skills.
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Also Read: Al Quran PDF in Arabic & English
Frequently Asked Questions
What is surah saba meaning in simple terms?
It means blessings are tests, not guarantees. The story of an ancient kingdom’s fall shows what happens when gratitude fades despite abundant comfort.
How many verses does Saba (surah) contain?
Saba (surah) contains 54 verses. It is the 34th chapter of the Quran, revealed in Makkah before the migration to Madinah.
What are the main benefits of surah saba for daily life?
It builds gratitude, encourages humility despite success, and warns against taking comfort for granted, all lessons directly relevant to modern life.
Who are the prophets mentioned in Surah Saba?
The surah references Dawud (AS) and Sulaiman (AS), both given remarkable blessings while remaining grounded in gratitude and worship toward Allah.
What happened to the kingdom of Saba according to the Quran?
Their prosperity ended after a devastating flood destroyed their irrigation system, a consequence directly tied to their growing arrogance and ingratitude.
Final Thoughts
Surah Saba turns an ancient collapse into a present-day warning. Comfort without gratitude never lasts, no matter how secure it feels in the moment. Read this chapter slowly, and let its lesson about thankfulness shape how you view your own blessings.
Categories: PRAYER ,ALMS , SAWN & The Holy Quran, Quran Jaz 1- 114
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- Surah Shura Transliteration and Translation
- Surah Ghafir Transliteration and Translation
- Surah Jathiya Transliteration and Translation
- Surah Al Fath Transliteration and Translation
- Surah Hujurat Transliteration and Translation
- Surah Al Haqqah Transliteration and Benefits
- Surah Fussilat Transliteration and Translation
- Surah Al-Ahqaf Transliteration and Translation
- Surah Al-Hadid Transliteration and Translation
- Surah Az-Zumar Transliteration and Translation
- Surah Az-Zumar Transliteration and Translation
- Surah Al-Waqi’ah Transliteration and Translation
- Surah Ar-Rahman Transliteration and Translation
- Surah Az Zukhruf Transliteration and Translation
- Surah Ad-Dukhan Transliteration and Translation
- Surah Saff Transliteration, Meaning and Benefits
- Surah Jum’ah Transliteration, Meaning & Benefits
- Surah Hashr Transliteration meaning And Benefits
- Surah Al-Mujadilah Transliteration and Translation
- Surah Al-Mumtahanah Transliteration and Benefits
- Surah Adh-Dhariyat Transliteration and Translation
- Surah Muhammad Transliteration and Translation
- Surah Qamar Transliteration and Translation
- Surah Tur Transliteration and Translation
