Surah Sad Transliteration and Translation

Surah Sad is the 38th chapter of the Holy Quran, and it opens with one of the mysterious single letters that begin several surahs. Readers often wonder why an entire chapter carries the name of just one letter. The reason becomes clear once you see what the chapter actually contains: stories of kings, prophets, pride, and forgiveness.

For a deeper companion while studying this chapter, this English translation is a helpful pick: The Study Quran on Amazon.

What Is Surah Sad About?

So, what is surah sad about at its core? It’s a Makkan chapter of 88 verses (counted as 86 in some traditions) built around the stories of Prophet Dawud, Prophet Sulaiman, and Prophet Ayyub. Each story shows strength paired with humility, contrasting sharply with the pride shown by disbelievers and, later, by Iblis himself.

Also Read: A List of 114 Quran Surahs in The Holy Quran

SURAH SAD (CHAPTER 38)

Complete Verse by Verse Translation

ARABIC TEXT	TRANSLITERATION	ENGLISH TRANSLATION
بسم الله الرحمن الرحيم ص ۚ والقرآن ذي الذكر	In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful Sad. By the Qur’an full of admonition:	In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. Sad. By the Qur’an full of admonition:
بل الذين كفروا في عزة وشقاق	But those who disbelieve are in pride and dissension.	But those who disbelieve are in pride and dissension.
كم أهلكنا من قبلهم من قرن فنادوا ولات حين مناص	How many a generation We destroyed before them! And they cried out when there was no time for escape.	How many a generation We destroyed before them! And they cried out when there was no time for escape.
وعجبوا أن جاءهم منذر منهم وقال الكافرون هذا ساحر كذاب	And they marvel that there has come to them a warner from among themselves. But the disbelievers say, ‘This is a magician and a liar.’	And they marvel that there has come to them a warner from among themselves. But the disbelievers say, ‘This is a magician and a liar.’
أجعل الآلهة إلها واحدا إن هذا لشيء عجاب	Does he make the gods [into] one God? Indeed, this is a strange thing.	Does he make the gods [into] one God? Indeed, this is a strange thing.
وانطلق الملأ منهم أن امشوا واصبروا على آلهتكم إن هذا لشيء يراد	And the eminent among them departed, [saying], ‘Continue, and be patient over your gods. Indeed, this is a thing intended.’	And the eminent among them departed, [saying], ‘Continue, and be patient over your gods. Indeed, this is a thing intended.’
ما سمعنا بهذا في الملة الآخرة إن هذا إلا اختلاق	We have not heard of this in the latest religion. This is not but an invention.	We have not heard of this in the latest religion. This is not but an invention.
أأوحي إليه من بيننا بل هم في شك من ذكري بل لما يذوقوا عذاب	Has the message been sent down upon him from among us?’ Rather, they are in doubt about My message. Rather, they have not yet tasted My punishment.	Has the message been sent down upon him from among us?’ Rather, they are in doubt about My message. Rather, they have not yet tasted My punishment.
أم عندهم خزائن رحمة ربك العزيز الوهاب	Or do they have the treasuries of the mercy of your Lord, the Exalted in Might, the Bestower?	Or do they have the treasuries of the mercy of your Lord, the Exalted in Might, the Bestower?
أم لهم ملك السماوات والأرض وما بينهما فليرتقوا في الأسباب	Or have they the dominion of the heavens and the earth and what is between them? Then let them ascend through the ways of access.	Or have they the dominion of the heavens and the earth and what is between them? Then let them ascend through the ways of access.
جند ما هنالك مهزوم من الأحزاب	An army of the confederates will be defeated there.	An army of the confederates will be defeated there.
كذبت قبلهم قوم نوح وعاد وفرعون ذو الأوتاد	The people of Noah denied before them, and the ‘Ad and Pharaoh, [the man] of the stakes,	The people of Noah denied before them, and the ‘Ad and Pharaoh, [the man] of the stakes,
وثمود وقوم لوط وأصحاب الأيكة أولئك الأحزاب	And Thamud and the people of Lot and the companions of the forest. Those were the confederates.	And Thamud and the people of Lot and the companions of the forest. Those were the confederates.
إن كل إلا كذب الرسل فحق عقاب	Each of them denied the messengers, so My punishment was justified.	Each of them denied the messengers, so My punishment was justified.
وما ينظر هؤلاء إلا صيحة واحدة ما لها من فواق	And these [people of Makkah] await not except one blast – there is for it no delay.	And these [people of Makkah] await not except one blast – there is for it no delay.
وقالوا ربنا عجل لنا قطنا قبل يوم الحساب	And they say, ‘Our Lord, hasten for us our share before the Day of Account.’	And they say, ‘Our Lord, hasten for us our share before the Day of Account.’
اصبر على ما يقولون واذكر عبدنا داود ذا الأيد إنه أواب	Be patient over what they say, and remember Our servant David, the one possessing strength. Indeed, he was a repenter.	Be patient over what they say, and remember Our servant David, the one possessing strength. Indeed, he was a repenter.
إنا سخرنا الجبال معه تسبح بالعشي والإشراق	Indeed, We subjected to him the mountains to exalt [Allah] with him at evening and [upon] sunrise,	Indeed, We subjected to him the mountains to exalt [Allah] with him at evening and [upon] sunrise,
والطير محشورة كل له أواب	And [We subjected to him] the birds assembled, all with him turned in repentance.	And [We subjected to him] the birds assembled, all with him turned in repentance.
وشددنا ملكه وآتيناه الحكمة وفصل الخطاب	And We strengthened his kingdom and gave him wisdom and discernment in speech.	And We strengthened his kingdom and gave him wisdom and discernment in speech.
وهل أتاك نبأ الخصم إذ تسوروا المحراب	And has there come to you the news of the litigants, when they climbed over the wall of the sanctuary?	And has there come to you the news of the litigants, when they climbed over the wall of the sanctuary?
إذ دخلوا على داود ففزع منهم قالوا لا تخاف خصمان بغى بعضنا على بعض فاحكم بيننا بالحق ولا تشطط واهدنا إلى سواء الصراط	When they entered upon David and he was frightened of them. They said, ‘Fear not. [We are] two adversaries, one of whom has wronged the other, so judge between us with truth and do not exceed [it] and guide us to the sound path.’	When they entered upon David and he was frightened of them. They said, ‘Fear not. [We are] two adversaries, one of whom has wronged the other, so judge between us with truth and do not exceed [it] and guide us to the sound path.’
إن هذا أخي له تسع وتسعون نعجة ولي نعجة واحدة فقال أكفلنيها وعز في الخطاب	This is my brother; he has ninety-nine ewes, and I have one ewe; so he said, ‘Entrust her to me,’ and he defeated me in speech.”	This is my brother; he has ninety-nine ewes, and I have one ewe; so he said, ‘Entrust her to me,’ and he defeated me in speech.”
قال لقد ظلمك بسؤال نعجتك إلى نعاجه وإن كثيرا من الخلطاء ليبغي بعضهم على بعض إلا الذين آمنوا وعملوا الصالحات وقليل ما هم واظن ظن أن قد خلصوا لي رب احكم بيننا بالحق وأنت خير الحاكمين	[ David ] said, ‘He has certainly wronged you by demanding your ewe [in addition] to his ewes. And indeed, many associates oppress one another, except for those who have believed and done righteous deeds – and few are they.’ And [David] became certain that We had tried him, and he asked forgiveness of his Lord and fell down bowing and turned in repentance.”	[ David ] said, ‘He has certainly wronged you by demanding your ewe [in addition] to his ewes. And indeed, many associates oppress one another, except for those who have believed and done righteous deeds – and few are they.’ And [David] became certain that We had tried him, and he asked forgiveness of his Lord and fell down bowing and turned in repentance.”
فغفرنا له ذلك وإن له عندنا لزلفى وحسن مآب	So We forgave him that. And indeed, for him is nearness to Us and a good place of return.	So We forgave him that. And indeed, for him is nearness to Us and a good place of return.
يا داود إنا جعلناك خليفة في الأرض فاحكم بين الناس بالحق ولا تتبع الهوى فيضلك عن سبيل الله إن الذين يضلون عن سبيل الله لهم عذاب شديد بما نسوا يوم الحساب	O David, indeed We have made you a successor upon the earth. So judge between people in truth and do not follow [your] desire, as it will lead you astray from the way of Allah. Indeed, those who go astray from the way of Allah will have a severe punishment for having forgotten the Day of Account.”	O David, indeed We have made you a successor upon the earth. So judge between people in truth and do not follow [your] desire, as it will lead you astray from the way of Allah. Indeed, those who go astray from the way of Allah will have a severe punishment for having forgotten the Day of Account.”
وما خلقنا السماء والأرض وما بينهما باطلا ذلك ظن الذين كفروا فويل للذين كفروا من النار	And We did not create the heaven and the earth and what is between them aimlessly. That is the assumption of those who disbelieve, so woe to those who disbelieve from the Fire.	And We did not create the heaven and the earth and what is between them aimlessly. That is the assumption of those who disbelieve, so woe to those who disbelieve from the Fire.
أم نجعل الذين آمنوا وعملوا الصالحات كالمفسدين في الأرض أم نجعل المتقين كالفجار	Or do We treat those who have believed and done righteous deeds like corrupters upon the earth? Or do We treat those who fear Allah like the wicked?	Or do We treat those who have believed and done righteous deeds like corrupters upon the earth? Or do We treat those who fear Allah like the wicked?
كتاب أنزلناه إليك مبارك ليدبروا آياته وليتذكر أولو الألباب	[ This is ] a blessed Book which We have revealed to you, [O Muhammad], that they might reflect upon its verses and that those of understanding would be reminded.	[ This is ] a blessed Book which We have revealed to you, [O Muhammad], that they might reflect upon its verses and that those of understanding would be reminded.
ووهبنا لداود سليمان نعم العبد إنه أواب	And We gave to David, Solomon. An excellent servant, indeed he was one who repeatedly turned back [to Allah].	And We gave to David, Solomon. An excellent servant, indeed he was one who repeatedly turned back [to Allah].
إذ عرض عليه بالعشي الصافنات الجياد	[ Remember ] when there were exhibited before him in the afternoon the standing horses	[ Remember ] when there were exhibited before him in the afternoon the standing horses
فقال إني أحببت حب الخير عن ذكر ربي حتى تورت بالحجاب	And he said, ‘Indeed, I gave preference to the love of wealth over the remembrance of my Lord,’ until the sun disappeared behind the veil [of night].	And he said, ‘Indeed, I gave preference to the love of wealth over the remembrance of my Lord,’ until the sun disappeared behind the veil [of night].’
ردوها عليه فطفق مسحا بسوق وأعناق الخيل	Bring them back to me.’ And [so] he began to pass his hand over their legs and their necks.	Bring them back to me.’ And [so] he began to pass his hand over their legs and their necks.
ولقد فتنا سليمان وألقينا على كرسيه جسما ثم أناب	And We certainly tried Solomon, and We cast upon his throne a body; then he repented.	And We certainly tried Solomon, and We cast upon his throne a body; then he repented.
قال رب اغفر لي وهب لي ملكا لا ينبغي لأحد من بعدي إنك أنت الوهاب	He said, ‘My Lord, forgive me and grant me a kingdom such as will not belong to anyone after me. Indeed, You are the Bestower.'”	He said, ‘My Lord, forgive me and grant me a kingdom such as will not belong to anyone after me. Indeed, You are the Bestower.'”
فسخرنا له الريح تجري بأمره حيث أصاب	So We subjected to him the wind, blowing by his command wherever he directed,	So We subjected to him the wind, blowing by his command wherever he directed,
والقطر ومن الجن من يعمل بأمره بإذن ربه ومن يزغ منهم عن أمرنا نذقه من عذاب السعير	And [also] the devils – every builder and diver [for him]- And others bound together in chains.	And [also] the devils – every builder and diver [for him]- And others bound together in chains.
هذا من فضل ربي ليبلوني أأشكر أم أكفر ومن شكر فإنما يشكر لنفسه ومن كفر فإن ربي غني كريم	[ He said, ] ‘This is from the favor of my Lord to test me whether I will be grateful or ungrateful.’ And whoever is grateful – his gratitude is only for himself. And whoever is ungrateful – then indeed, my Lord is Free of need and Generous.”	[ He said, ] ‘This is from the favor of my Lord to test me whether I will be grateful or ungrateful.’ And whoever is grateful – his gratitude is only for himself. And whoever is ungrateful – then indeed, my Lord is Free of need and Generous.”
قال انظر إلى ما آتيتن لم تؤت أحدا من الناس لكم	[ Solomon ] said, ‘This is from the favor of my Lord to test me whether I will be grateful or ungrateful. And whoever is grateful – his gratitude is only for himself. And whoever is ungrateful – then indeed, my Lord is Free of need and Generous.'”	[ Solomon ] said, ‘This is from the favor of my Lord to test me whether I will be grateful or ungrateful. And whoever is grateful – his gratitude is only for himself. And whoever is ungrateful – then indeed, my Lord is Free of need and Generous.'”
وهب لي ملكا لم يؤت لأحد من قبلي إنك على كل شيء قدير	Provide for me in that I have been preferred over many of His believing servants.”	Provide for me in that I have been preferred over many of His believing servants.”
قال هذا من فضل ربي ليبلوني أأشكر أم أكفر ومن شكر فإنما يشكر لنفسه ومن كفر فإن ربي غني كريم	[ Allah ] said, ‘This is from the favor of my Lord to test me whether I will be grateful or ungrateful. And whoever is grateful – his gratitude is only for himself. And whoever is ungrateful – then indeed, my Lord is Free of need and Generous.'”	[ Allah ] said, ‘This is from the favor of my Lord to test me whether I will be grateful or ungrateful. And whoever is grateful – his gratitude is only for himself. And whoever is ungrateful – then indeed, my Lord is Free of need and Generous.'”
قال رب اغفر لي وهب لي ملكا لا ينبغي لأحد من بعدي إنك أنت الوهاب	He said, ‘My Lord, forgive me and grant me a kingdom such as will not belong to anyone after me. Indeed, You are the Bestower.'”	He said, ‘My Lord, forgive me and grant me a kingdom such as will not belong to anyone after me. Indeed, You are the Bestower.'”
فسخرنا له الريح تجري بأمره حيث أصاب	So We subjected to him the wind, blowing by his command wherever he directed,	So We subjected to him the wind, blowing by his command wherever he directed,
والقطر ومن الجن من يعمل بأمره بإذن ربه ومن يزغ منهم عن أمرنا نذقه من عذاب السعير	And [also] the devils – every builder and diver [for him] – And others bound together in chains.	And [also] the devils – every builder and diver [for him] – And others bound together in chains.
هذا من فضل ربي فشكر ومن شكر فإنما يشكر لنفسه ومن كفر فإن ربي غني كريم	This is from the favor of my Lord, [as a test] so whether I am grateful or ungrateful. And whoever is grateful – his gratitude is only for himself. And whoever is ungrateful – then indeed, my Lord is Free of need and Generous.”	This is from the favor of my Lord, [as a test] so whether I am grateful or ungrateful. And whoever is grateful – his gratitude is only for himself. And whoever is ungrateful – then indeed, my Lord is Free of need and Generous.”
قال الذي عنده علم من الكتاب أنا آتيك به قبل أن يأتيك طرفك فلما قضى موقعا قال الذي عنده علم من الكتاب أنا آتيك به قبل أن يرتد إليك طرفك فلما رآه مستقرا عنده قال هذا من فضل ربي ليبلوني أأشكر أم أكفر ومن شكر فإنما يشكر لنفسه ومن كفر فإن ربي غني كريم	One in whose knowledge was a book from the Scripture said, ‘I will bring it to you before your eyes return to you.’ And when he saw it placed before him, he said, ‘This is from the favor of my Lord to test me whether I will be grateful or ungrateful. And whoever is grateful – his gratitude is only for himself. And whoever is ungrateful – then indeed, my Lord is Free of need and Generous.'”	One in whose knowledge was a book from the Scripture said, ‘I will bring it to you before your eyes return to you.’ And when he saw it placed before him, he said, ‘This is from the favor of my Lord to test me whether I will be grateful or ungrateful. And whoever is grateful – his gratitude is only for himself. And whoever is ungrateful – then indeed, my Lord is Free of need and Generous.'”
قال نكر الأسود من الجن أنا آتيك به قبل أن تقوم من مقامك وإني عليه لقوي أمين	He said, ‘Bring to me its throne before they arrive at me.’ A powerful one from among the jinn said, ‘I will bring it to you before you rise from your place, and indeed, I am for this [task] strong and trustworthy.'”	He said, ‘Bring to me its throne before they arrive at me.’ A powerful one from among the jinn said, ‘I will bring it to you before you rise from your place, and indeed, I am for this [task] strong and trustworthy.'”
قال نكر الأسود من الجن أنا آتيك به قبل أن تقوم من مقامك وإني عليه لقوي أمين	Said one who had knowledge from the Scripture, ‘I will bring it to you before your glance returns to you.’ And when [Solomon] saw it placed before him, he said, ‘This is from the favor of my Lord to test me whether I will be grateful or ungrateful. And whoever is grateful – his gratitude is only for himself. And whoever is ungrateful – then indeed, my Lord is Free of need and Generous.'”	Said one who had knowledge from the Scripture, ‘I will bring it to you before your glance returns to you.’ And when [Solomon] saw it placed before him, he said, ‘This is from the favor of my Lord to test me whether I will be grateful or ungrateful. And whoever is grateful – his gratitude is only for himself. And whoever is ungrateful – then indeed, my Lord is Free of need and Generous.'”
وسخرنا مع داود الجبال يسبحن والطير وكنا فاعلين	And We certainly gave David and Solomon knowledge and wisdom. And [both] said, ‘Praise [is due] to Allah, who has preferred us over many of His believing servants.'”	And We certainly gave David and Solomon knowledge and wisdom. And [both] said, ‘Praise [is due] to Allah, who has preferred us over many of His believing servants.'”
وهبنا له إسحاق ويعقوب كلا هدينا ونوحا هدينا من قبل ومن ذريته داود وسليمان وأيوب ويوسف وموسى وهارون وكذلك نجزي المحسنين	And We gave him Isaac and Jacob – all [of them] We guided. And Noah, We guided before; and from his descendants, David and Solomon and Job and Joseph and Moses and Aaron. Thus do We reward the doers of good.	And We gave him Isaac and Jacob – all [of them] We guided. And Noah, We guided before; and from his descendants, David and Solomon and Job and Joseph and Moses and Aaron. Thus do We reward the doers of good.
وزكريا ويحيى وعيسى وإلياس كل من الصالحين	And Zechariah and John and Jesus and Elias – and all were of the righteous.	And Zechariah and John and Jesus and Elias – and all were of the righteous.
وإسماعيل واليسع ويونس ولوطا وكلا فضلنا على العالمين	And Ishmael and Elisha and Jonah and Lot – and all We preferred over the worlds,	And Ishmael and Elisha and Jonah and Lot – and all We preferred over the worlds,
ومن آبائهم وذرياتهم وإخوانهم واخترناهم وهديناهم إلى صراط مستقيم	And [some] of their fathers and their descendants and their brothers – and We chose them and We guided them to a straight path.	And [some] of their fathers and their descendants and their brothers – and We chose them and We guided them to a straight path.
ذلك هدى الله يهدي به من يشاء من عباده ولو أشركوا لحبط عنهم ما كانوا يعملون	That is the guidance of Allah by which He guides whom He wills of His servants. But if they had associated others with Allah, then worthless for them would have been that which they were doing.	That is the guidance of Allah by which He guides whom He wills of His servants. But if they had associated others with Allah, then worthless for them would have been that which they were doing.
أولئك الذين آتيناهم الكتاب والحكم والنبوة فإن يكفر بها هؤلاء فقد وكلنا بها قوما ليسوا بها بكافرين	Those are the ones to whom We gave the Scripture and authority and prophethood. But if the disbelievers deny it, then We will entrust it to a people who will not be deniers of it.	Those are the ones to whom We gave the Scripture and authority and prophethood. But if the disbelievers deny it, then We will entrust it to a people who will not be deniers of it.
أولئك الذين هدى الله فبهداهم اقتده قل لا أسألكم عليه أجرا إن هو إلا ذكرى للعالمين	Those are the ones whom Allah has guided, so from their guidance take an example. Say, ‘I do not ask you for it any payment. It is not but a reminder for the worlds.'”	Those are the ones whom Allah has guided, so from their guidance take an example. Say, ‘I do not ask you for it any payment. It is not but a reminder for the worlds.'”
وما قدروا الله حق قدره إذ قالوا ما أنزل الله على بشر من شيء قل من أنزل الكتاب الذي جاء به موسى نورا وهدى للناس تجعلونه قراطيس تبدونها وتخفون كثيرا وعلمتم ما لم تعلموا أنتم ولا آباؤكم قل الله ثم ذرهم في خوضهم يلعبون	And they did not appraise Allah with true appraisal when they said, ‘Allah has not revealed to a human being anything.’ Say, ‘Who revealed the Scripture that Moses brought as light and guidance to the people? You [Jews] make it into pages, disclosing [some of] it and concealing much. And [Allah] taught you that which you did not know – you, nor your fathers.’ Say, ‘Allah [revealed it].’ Then leave them in their [empty] discourse, amusing themselves.	And they did not appraise Allah with true appraisal when they said, ‘Allah has not revealed to a human being anything.’ Say, ‘Who revealed the Scripture that Moses brought as light and guidance to the people? You [Jews] make it into pages, disclosing [some of] it and concealing much. And [Allah] taught you that which you did not know – you, nor your fathers.’ Say, ‘Allah [revealed it].’ Then leave them in their [empty] discourse, amusing themselves.
وهذا كتاب أنزلناه مبارك مصدق الذي بين يديه ولتنذر أم القرى ومن حولها والذين يؤمنون بالآخرة يؤمنون به وهم على صلاتهم يحافظون	And this is a blessed Book which We have revealed, confirming that which was before it, and to warn the inhabitants of al-Umm al-Qura and those around it. Those who believe in the Hereafter believe in it, and they are maintaining their prayers.	And this is a blessed Book which We have revealed, confirming that which was before it, and to warn the inhabitants of al-Umm al-Qura and those around it. Those who believe in the Hereafter believe in it, and they are maintaining their prayers.
ومن أظلم ممن افترى على الله كذبا أو قال أوحي إلي ولم يوح إليه شيء ومن قال سأنزل مثل ما أنزل الله ولو ترى إذ الظالمون في غمرات الموت والملائكة باسطو أيديهم أخرجوا أنفسكم اليوم تجزون عذاب الهون بما كنتم تقولون على الله غير الحق وكنتم عن آياته تستكبرون	And who is more unjust than one who invents a lie about Allah or says, ‘I have been inspired,’ while he was not inspired with anything, and one who says, ‘I will reveal [something] like the revelation of Allah’? And if you could see when the wrongdoers are in the overwhelming pangs of death while the angels extend their hands, [saying], ‘Discharge your souls! Today you will be awarded the punishment of humiliation for what you used to say against Allah other than truth and [that] you were, toward His signs, being arrogant.'”	And who is more unjust than one who invents a lie about Allah or says, ‘I have been inspired,’ while he was not inspired with anything, and one who says, ‘I will reveal [something] like the revelation of Allah’? And if you could see when the wrongdoers are in the overwhelming pangs of death while the angels extend their hands, [saying], ‘Discharge your souls! Today you will be awarded the punishment of humiliation for what you used to say against Allah other than truth and [that] you were, toward His signs, being arrogant.'”
وجاءت كل نفس معها سائق وشهيد	And there will come with every soul a driver and a witness.	And there will come with every soul a driver and a witness.
قال تعالى ألم نؤمن برسلنا أنت أرسلت إلينا فقال كذبتم بل لم تؤمن فقال قد قضي بيننا وما ظلمونا ولكن كانوا أنفسهم يظلمون	[It will be said], ‘Did you deny My signs while you encompassed them not in knowledge, or what was it you were doing?'” And [when] it is said, ‘Did not our verses come to you, and you denied them?’ They will say, ‘Yes, but the word has come into effect upon us of punishment, for indeed, [Allah] is Just.'”	[It will be said], ‘Did you deny My signs while you encompassed them not in knowledge, or what was it you were doing?'” And [when] it is said, ‘Did not our verses come to you, and you denied them?’ They will say, ‘Yes, but the word has come into effect upon us of punishment, for indeed, [Allah] is Just.'”
قالوا ربنا غلبت علينا شقوتنا وكنا قوما ضالين	They will say, ‘Our Lord, overcome us has our portion of wretchedness, and we were a people astray.'”	They will say, ‘Our Lord, overcome us has our portion of wretchedness, and we were a people astray.'”
ربنا أخرجنا منها فإن عدنا فإنا ظالمون	Our Lord, remove us from it. Then if we return [to transgression], indeed, we will be wrongdoers.'”	Our Lord, remove us from it. Then if we return [to transgression], indeed, we will be wrongdoers.'”
قال اخسئوا فيها ولا تكلمون	[Allah] will say, ‘Remain despised therein and do not speak to Me.'”	[Allah] will say, ‘Remain despised therein and do not speak to Me.'”
إنه كان فريق من عبادي يقولون ربنا آمنا فاغفر لنا وارحمنا وأنت خير الراحمين	Indeed, there was a party of My servants who said, ‘Our Lord, we have believed, so forgive us and have mercy upon us, and You are the best of the merciful.'”	Indeed, there was a party of My servants who said, ‘Our Lord, we have believed, so forgive us and have mercy upon us, and You are the best of the merciful.'”
فاتخذتموهم سخريا حتى أنسوكم ذكري وكنتم منهم تضحكون	But you took them in mockery to the point that they made you forget My remembrance, and you used to laugh at them.	But you took them in mockery to the point that they made you forget My remembrance, and you used to laugh at them.
إني جزيتهم اليوم بما صبروا أنهم هم الفائزون	Indeed, I have rewarded them this Day for their patience – they are the ones who are triumphant.'”	Indeed, I have rewarded them this Day for their patience – they are the ones who are triumphant.'”
قال كم لبثتم في الأرض عدد سنين	[Allah] will say, ‘How long did you remain on earth in number of years?'”	[Allah] will say, ‘How long did you remain on earth in number of years?'”
قالوا لبثنا يوما أو بعض يوم فاسأل العادين	They will say, ‘We remained a day or part of a day; ask those who kept count.'”	They will say, ‘We remained a day or part of a day; ask those who kept count.'”
قال إن لبثتم إلا قليلا لو أنكم كنتم تعلمون	He will say, ‘You remained not but a little – if only you had known.'”	He will say, ‘You remained not but a little – if only you had known.'”
أفحسبتم أنما خلقناكم عبثا وأنكم إلينا لا ترجعون	Did you then think that We created you uselessly and that to Us you would not be returned?'”	Did you then think that We created you uselessly and that to Us you would not be returned?'”
فتعالى الله الملك الحق لا إله إلا هو رب العرش الكريم	So exalted is Allah, the Sovereign, the Truth; there is no deity except Him, Lord of the Noble Throne.	So exalted is Allah, the Sovereign, the Truth; there is no deity except Him, Lord of the Noble Throne.
ومن يدع مع الله إلها آخر لا برهان له به فإنما حسابه عند ربه إنه لا يفلح الكافرون	And whoever invokes besides Allah another deity of which he has no proof – then his account is only with his Lord. Indeed, the disbelievers will not succeed.	And whoever invokes besides Allah another deity of which he has no proof – then his account is only with his Lord. Indeed, the disbelievers will not succeed.
وقل رب اغفر وارحم وأنت خير الراحمين	And say, ‘My Lord, forgive and have mercy, and You are the best of the merciful.'”	And say, ‘My Lord, forgive and have mercy, and You are the best of the merciful.'”

Also Read: The Clear Quran PDF Free Download

Why Surah Sad Matters

This chapter matters because it reframes what real strength looks like. Prophet Dawud is described as physically and spiritually powerful, yet his defining trait is turning back to Allah constantly in repentance. That single detail teaches something modern readers often miss: power without humility eventually collapses.

Benefits of Reading Surah Sad

Regularly reading this chapter offers several benefits worth knowing:

• Builds patience through the example of Prophet Ayyub’s endurance
• Reinforces humility using Prophet Dawud’s constant repentance
• Warns against arrogance through the story of Iblis’s refusal
• Includes a recommended prostration (sajdah) tied to repentance
• Strengthens trust that hardship carries hidden wisdom and reward

Quran Verses from Surah Sad

Here are two verses worth reflecting on, each with a short, reader-friendly meaning.

Surah & Ayah	Short Meaning	Link
Sad 38:17	Allah tells the Prophet to be patient with what people say, remembering Dawud’s strength and constant repentance.	Read on Alim.org
Sad 38:41	Prophet Ayyub cries out to Allah about the distress and suffering he’s enduring, showing sincere, patient supplication.	Read on Alim.org

Transliteration for 38:17 begins: “Isbir ‘ala ma yaquloona wadhkur ‘abdana Dawooda dhal-ayd, innahu awwab.” Notice the word “awwab,” meaning one who repeatedly turns back to Allah — it’s repeated throughout the surah for good reason.

Also Read; Root Words of Quran

Hadith References

Surah Sad carries a unique feature: reciting a specific verse calls for a prostration, and two hadith explain why.

• The prostration in Surah Sad explained by Ibn Abbas, in Sunan Abi Dawud — he clarified this prostration is not compulsory, but he had personally seen the Prophet ﷺ perform it.
• A dua recommended during prostration, recorded in Jami` at-Tirmidhi — it asks Allah for reward and forgiveness the same way He accepted repentance from His servant Dawud.

Suitable Study Resources

For readers who want to explore further, these platforms are worth checking:

Resource	Best Used For
Islamic Teachings Forum	Peer discussion on tafsir and daily practice
IslamQA	Scholarly answers to fiqh-related questions
Alim.org	Side-by-side comparison of classic translations

Also Read: Quran Read Pen With Multi Language Translation

Recommended Fiqh Reading

For Hanafi readers wanting structured background material, these two titles are commonly found in libraries and public archives as PDFs:

1. Nur al-Idah by Hasan bin Ammar Ash-Shurunbulali
2. Kanz al-Daqaiq by Abu al-Barakat al-Nasafi

Both are foundational texts used widely in traditional Hanafi study circles, offering structured rulings without requiring advanced Arabic.

Historical and Academic Background

According to Wikipedia’s entry on the chapter, the surah’s tone shifts frequently between general descriptions of the afterlife and short accounts of specific prophets, reflecting its layered structure. For broader background on the Quran’s compilation and structure, Britannica’s overview of the Quran remains a solid academic reference point.

Those who want Taweez, Naqash of Surah Sad Benefits , please send contact by email- [email protected]

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Learn Quran for Free

If this chapter’s message on humility and patience resonated with you, free Quran learning support is available — no strings attached. Reach out directly through:

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Whether it’s tajweed, memorization, or simply understanding meanings, guidance is one message away.

Categories: PRAYER ,ALMS , SAWN  & The Holy Quran, Quran Jaz 1- 114

Frequently Asked Questions

What does Surah Sad mean?

“Sad” is one of the Quran’s mysterious disconnected letters, appearing at the start of the chapter. Scholars generally leave its exact meaning to Allah’s knowledge alone.

How many verses does Surah Sad have?

It contains 88 verses in the Kufic count, or 86 in other regional counting traditions, spread across roughly five sections (rukus).

Why is there a prostration in Surah Sad?

Verse 24 describes Prophet Dawud’s repentance, and the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ used to prostrate at this point out of gratitude for Allah accepting that repentance.

Is Surah Sad Makkan or Madinan?

It’s a Makkan surah, revealed during a period of intense confrontation between the Prophet ﷺ and the disbelieving leaders of Quraysh.

What is the central lesson of Surah Sad?

Its central lesson is that true strength comes from humility and repentance, not power or status, as shown through the stories of Dawud, Sulaiman, and Ayyub.

Final Thoughts

Surah Sad isn’t just a chapter about ancient kings and prophets — it’s a mirror. It asks readers to check whether their strength comes with humility or pride, and whether their trials are met with patience or complaint. Read it slowly, reflect on Dawud’s repentance and Ayyub’s endurance, and let those lessons shape how you handle your own tests.

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