How Sura Ad-Duha Can Change Your life
by Amani Iqbal
Many of us know surah ad-duha off by heart and have probably read its meaning many times as well, which seems quite straightforward. How many of us, though, have actually gone into the reason behind its revelation and derived the lessons and implications this surah has in our lives?
This surah was revealed to Prophet Muhammad (saw) at a time when he had not received any revelation for six months, not even in the form of a dream! The Prophet (saw) was in a very disturbed state of mind, feeling negative and depressed and believing that Allah was displeased with him, had forgotten him, and did not want him as a Nabi anymore.
Don’t we have similar feelings in our lives? Times when our level of imaan is low, our khushoo in salah wavers and we feel a drop in our connection with Allah? We feel like our duas are not being answered, our salah is not having a positive impact on our hearts, and worst of all the feeling that we’re horrible human beings, that Allah doesn’t love us or doesn’t care about us anymore.
Surah Ad-Duha was revealed to the Prophet (saw) to relieve him of these negative feelings and to give him hope, positivity, and the assurance that Allah is with him no matter what. From it we too can find peace, hope, and a renewed faith in Allah when we go through similar states of depression, sadness, and hopelessness.
So what does this surah say?
Wad duhaa— By the morning brightness
This is the first thing you need to hear when you’re depressed: Wake up, look at the sunshine! Everything in life is not doom and gloom– you just have to look up!
Wal laili iza sajaa— And [by] the night when it covers with darkness,
Why is this aayah immediately talking about darkness? As a reminder to us that the night is meant to cover and give us comfort and rest.
Generally when we’re depressed, we tend to get into a very bad sleep pattern by staying up at night and sleeping all day, thereby worsening our state of mind. This aayah reminds us to use the night as a comfort to ease our distress.
Ma wad da’aka rabbuka wa ma qalaa— Your Lord has not taken leave of you, [O Muhammad], nor has He detested [you].
This is a very powerful verse from Allah telling us that He doesn’t hate us and hasn’t forgotten us– reminding the depressed person that He is always by his or her side!
Walal-aakhiratu khairul laka minal-oola— And the Hereafter is better for you than the first [life].
Many times when we’re depressed we think: Is this all my life is going to be? Is it never going to get better?
This aayah serves as a perfect answer to those questions, reminding us that life in this world is temporary and that Aakhira is certainly a better, more permanent place for us than this world could ever be.
This makes us look forward to attaining our place in Jannah and helps us look at any problems in our lives as temporary tests of our faith from Allah.
Wa la sawfa y’uteeka rabbuka fatarda— And your Lord is going to give you, and you will be satisfied.
A promise from Allah that very soon he will give us a massive reward (Jannah) and we will be happy! Subhanallah!
Isn’t this the best thing to hear when you’re depressed and fed up with this worldly life and the problems you’re facing?
Alam ya jidka yateeman fa aawaa – Did He not find you an orphan and give [you] refuge?
From this verse onwards, Allah gives us reason to believe His declarations and promises in the first half of the surah.
Now many of us may think: how would this aayah about orphans relate to the majority of us? Think about it– weren’t there many times in your life when you were sick or lonely and felt like you had nobody who cared about you? Who was the only one by your side at that time? Allah! It was He who took care of you and guided you out of that stage in life.
Wa wa jadaka daal lan fahada— And He found you lost and guided [you].
How many of us, despite being born Muslims, have found ourselves misguided and straying away from Islam in the past? It was Allah who gave us that hidaya and brought us back to the straight path and to Him and made us practicing Muslims. Alhamdulillah!
Wa wa jadaka ‘aa-ilan fa aghnaa— And He found you poor and made [you] self-sufficient.
Many of us have probably gone through many periods in our lives when we have been short of money and wealth. Now when we look back we realize that it was only Allah who gave us that rizq in some form and got us through those tough financial times.
When a person is depressed, giving him or her examples of how Allah has helped them in the past will strengthen their conviction and belief in the promises Allah makes in this surah for their future.
Fa am mal yateema fala taqhar — So as for the orphan, do not oppress [him].
This aayah is the ultimate antidote to depression!
Depressed people are mostly consumed with their situation and feel that nobody could possibly be in a worse situation.
This aayah reminds us to look at people who are in far worse situations than ourselves when we’re feeling hopeless and depressed— Look at the orphans, who have no family or loved ones and nobody to care for them. We have families and parents who love us, a roof over our heads and food on the table and we still think we’re in a bad situation? Subhanallah!
Wa am mas saa-ila fala tanhar— And as for the petitioner, do not repel [him].
Another example is of the beggar – to once again remind us of the many material blessings that Allah has given us that we take for granted – food, clothing and shelter. How many of us have ever gone to sleep hungry? How many of us don’t have clothes to wear? Or don’t have a home to go to?
These examples of the orphan and the beggar are ones we should constantly remind ourselves of to be thankful for the numerous blessings Allah has given us, get over our depression and feel connected to Allah again, out of gratitude.
Wa amma bi ne’mati rabbika fahad dith – But as for the favor of your Lord, report [it].
This final aayah is about maintaining that renewed faith and bond with Allah – by pondering, glorifying and talking about the blessings of Allah! Either in terms of halaqas, discussions with family and friends or even da’wah! Dhikr, reading quran and listening to lectures are also great ways to keep the remembrance of Allah close to your heart!
So the next time you feel disconnected, disheartened or depressed with your level of Imaan and your connection with Allah – read Surah Ad Duha and ponder over its meanings – Inshallah it will restore your faith and increase your belief in the greatness and power of Allah.
Notes
This article was inspired by Sheikh Tawfique Chowdry’s talk on Surah Ad Duha. The full video can be accessed at: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KoqhNz7wD3I
Translation from: http://quran.com/93
51 Comments
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beautiful!
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So nicely David it all.jazakAllah
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MashAllah <3
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subhallah!
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jazak ALLAH khair for this information and explanation
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Logically presented and spiritually concluded.
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Alhamdulillah
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subhanallah!
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refreshes imaan,Mashallah
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Subhanallah , Allahu akhbar
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Maanshallah. Jazaka allah kheyr
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Thanks Thanks A Lot Subhanallha
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I like it but I do have a question. What and how should an orphan beggar feel? With whom should he compare? The hungry in Africa who die? To whom should they then compare? Is this the real translation from the quran or is it what you think and you are not a scolar. Do not get offended, the Islam also teaches us to ask questions. These are my questions. When I read this aya, I think yes it makes sense but it will not make sense to people who are at the most worse end. No home, no food, no family, etc. They have Allah yes but that is what makes is so difficult sometimes. I do believe but I feel the more I ask questions or think about it the more questions I have and sometimes doubts (which I fight!).
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The Qur’an is for all of mankind. This includes the poor who have no home, food, or family. In the Qur’an is guidance on the perfect and most beautiful ways to live our lives. The Qur’an says, “He who is grateful shall never be denied increase.” It says this in many ways within Surah an-Nisa, Surah ‘Ibrahim, Surah al-An’aam, Surah al-Imran, Surah az-Zumar, and it is hinted at in many more. For those who are at the worse end, they must remember that Allah gives us trials as well as bounty. If we continue to persevere for Allah’s love with complete gratitude, inshAllah we will overcome poverty.
Besides, trial on Earth is the least of our worries. The worst outcome of ingratitude or a lack of trust in Allah is the eternal, searing fires of Hell. No amount of comfort, ease, electricity, wealth, health, or family is worth that punishment.
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your questions are well taken. I am not a scholar but have read the Quran to try and understand points like this. What I have discovered is that ALlah(SWA) has given in measure to His creations how He Wills thru His Wisdom. We will not be able to comprehend His Wisdom. Why there are poor orphan beggers? If there weren’t, you would not be asking this question because it would not have moved you emotionally..if there was not sadness in this world then we would not know what happiness was…if everything was perfect…isn’t that jannah/heaven? Also I have read (i do not have the reference at hand), that those who are so poor and living miserable life in this world, who do not have any means to better themselves…ALlah (SWA) enters them into heaven without questioning…free ticket to heaven! Yes, it is difficult for people like us who are in a better position to know about places where people are suffering…but there is a question here to ask too. aren’t they suffering because of someone’s negative actions? ALso, those of us who are well off, will be put to question by Allah(SWA) why we did not do anything about lightening their suffering..so part of their suffering is because of our lack of positive activity towards them. We can’t just be asking questions on why? but should be asking questions on how? and then act upon it…our Prophet Muhamad (S) said for us to make a change for the better by hand, being the best way, by voicing it, being the second best way, or at least feeling it which would be the weakest way.
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Nice topic with good inputs from all bros and sis.
@Muddu : I liked the part of your statement <>
Yes we need to FOCUS more on HOW. And The Holy Qur’an is the best guide. Have you ever probed and pondered over the Sura Asr (No-103). The answer lies in this beautiful and small Sura of 3 ayats. The last verse (no.3) has the answer of HOW, how we the believers need to DO the right things, so that we CAN make a better world by serving one another not only in just when there is need, but anytime even though your fellow bro/sis has no need, BUT be always steadfast towards your righteous duties, and, HAVE and ENCOURAGE patience to yourself and towards others too.
Live like a BIG FAMILY. Whatever you have, is Allah’s (SWT) – Malik’ul Mulk; while parting a Dime from your pocket doesn’t make your monetary balance low, RATHER you are sharing the bounties of Allah – Ya Wahhab. SO – Part your money to the needy, and while sharing give your encouragement, moral support and kindness with a smile. And you can change the world.MAY ALLAH (SWT) GUIDE US FOR A BETTER WORLD!! Ameen.
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Ya Allah ur the most merciful.
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made me cry brother…. JazakAllah
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thank you for this! please pray for me i have been depressed, and have had anxiety for a few months now! I just take everything to the extreme when we are supposed to take the medium, but its really hard cause I worry about the smallest things! please pray Allah makes me happy again, and removes my worries and over thinking problem
thank you!-
I’ve been in the same position, but trying to get back up now. If you want(that is, if you read this) we could talk.
I’ll definitely do dua for you 😉
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Masha allah… it made me cry… and ALLAH swt is really great… subhanallah
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I love my Allah and Quran
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Alhamdulliah
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I agree that this surah gives us a sense of hope when we truly understand it, but to look at other people having it worse than I am somehow never works, it feels very low to look at other people’s misery and find that at least we are not as worse as the “orphans”. Misery is very subjective and in most cases lone. I personally feel that a human shoukd never in his misery compare it to the misery of others, for all misery are different, and only the ones carrying misery truly knows the pain.
This ares just my thoughts
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Salam walaikum!
My thought process when I read this ayat is a little different. When we compare our misery to others, we should not think ” atleast we are not as worse as the orphans” rather try thinking “what if Allah tried me in such a way that I was placed in that position, if I was born in his/her place..Could I deal with it?”
I’m no scholar but this helps me be thankful to Allah swt
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100% agree…Allah is great,I had come with the situation and recited the surah everyday and now i have overcome it…Ma’asha Allah
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Stay Blessed All… Thnx for sharing in detail. very meaning full… I will recite it everyday IA. Ameen
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One of the most beautiful and meaning things that I’ve ever read. god bless and may he increase your believe even more in him.
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thanx for showing the right way to overcome hard times in the light of quran
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I think this page may have just saved my life.
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Please be careful and not give your insight of the translation. How can you say that prophet saw . was feeling negative, that Allah doesn’t want him no more….when Allah said that he is sent as Rahmat tulil alamin for everyone. Prophets are created with clean soul and not like us. First try to understand and respect prophet saw…before understanding the Quran he gave us.
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Bimillah-Asa,
dear “Ya Nabi”
how can you understand the Prophet(pbuh) without trying to understanding Quran.
you, must reread your own words and check for corrections, cuase i think there might be a very serious correction needed.
1)Quran is given to humans by Allah.
2)you might have accidentally forgoten to write (pbuh) after mentioning
him ( pbuh)
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Despite being a simple and understandable translation I never realised how beautiful this surah was before I read this post…
The verse
‘And He found you lost and guided (you)’ touched my heart so much….I could relate to myself…
Thank you for the post. may Allah bless you and the founder of this website and all believers.. -
Jazakallaha qair,
Its really a Great words from Allaha, and belive brother did a fantastic job by explaining in deep… Mashallaha.
Many gone through wid this problem in daily life.
Hve one very powerful DUA dat helps u everybody in shaa allaha.
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Allahumma inni a’uzubika minal hammi wal hazan, (“O Allah! I seek refuge in You from anxiety and sorrow)
wa a’uzubika minal ‘ajzi wal kasal, ( I seek refuge in You from helplessness and laziness)
wa a’uzubika minal jubni wal bukhl, (I seek refuge in You from cowardice and miserliness)
wa a’uzubika min ghalabatid daini wa qahrir rijaal (and I seek refuge in You from being burdened by debt, and being oppressed by people)As well as this, Should it not be “a’uthu bika” instead of “a’uzu bika”?? (with a thaal not a za)
Jazaak Allahu Khairan
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اللَّهُمَّ إنِّي أعُوذُ بِكَ مِنَ الْهَمِّ وَ الْحَزَنِ ، وَ الْعَجْزِ وَ الْكَسَلِ ، وَ الْبُخْلِ وَ الْجُبْنِ ، وَ ضَلَعِ الدِّيْنِ وَ غَلَبَةِ الرِّجَالِ
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i think you should be thankful least someone spent own time just to write. Allah is merciful and kind , Alhamdulilahi , even good people exits on the earth. Thank you for the article . I could not ask for more . God bless you
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Jazaak Allah Khair.
I ask U bros n sis to pray for me so that Allah rescues me. I lost ma job in 2009, I was jailed, my chn dropped out of sch an I currently have no job. Am depressed but I stil believe Allah wil rescue me. Am in Uganda Africa and my email in case one cares to help is billybill51@yahoo.com. I can also be reached on phone No. +256701126706. May Allah enable U and provide for U Halaal provisions.
Salaams to U all.-
Author
Assalamu alaykum wr wb friend.
If you’d like your brothers and sisters to make dua for you, we have a page on our blog called “The Dua Chamber.” Here is the link: http://wp.me/p3WOkV-3PK
Please feel free to post your need for dua below in the comments section and then ask our readers to pray for this need. There is no need to give your real name or the real name of anyone else for whom you wish us to make supplication.
In shaa Allah your brothers and sisters will be inspired to make dua for you.
May Allah (swt) richly bless you and respond to your prayer. May you also profit from the tests He sends you.
Jazaka Allah khayran,
Warda Krimi (sister), UQA
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subhanallah…
Alhamdhulillah..
Allahu akbar.. -
Asalaam alekum.Alhamdulillah who guided us to Islam and we would not be guided had Allah not guided us.This year some calamity befall me and I was shattered.I left work and went to town not knowing how my calamity would be alleviated.I went to the mosque in town after wandering aimlessly in town.With my heart broken I went to the Mosque in town. Shaytan (may Allahs’ curse be upon him) kept whispering maybe Allah hates you that’s why this is happening.It was a really sad day for me.
Maghrib time came and guess which surah the imam read.Wallahi I couldn’t hold back my tears and I cried profusely.Nothing is random in this world so Allah wanted me to hear that surah.To know that He has not forsaken me.Needless to say my burden became lighter and my calamity alleviated in less then 2 days.Allahu Akbar.
Therefore dear Muslim sadness is temporary and tests both good and bad will definately come your way.However if you hold fast to Allah He will guide you.
Praise is due to Allah as befits the Majesty of His face and the Greatness of His Sovereignty.May Allahs’ peace and blessings be upon Mohammed peace be upon Him.May Allah forgive all the believing men and women,keep us steadfast,cause us to die as Muslims and allow us to see Him in paradise.
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Great article,thank you
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Everytime I try making sense of my situation and relating it to whats written in the Quran, I often end up with mixed feelings too…There are places where god says he will surely help those who believe n suffer but there ain’t no specifics of how long will that relief come,sometime its too late …God says he doesn’t torment any soul more than what he can take ,then why am I a victim to anxeity endlessly .And when I reach out to more learned ppl of the book ,I find touch of diplomacy in their answers like God will give u the reward of what he’s putting u through here …
The question that has burnt me for years is ,are all folks tested by god in the same measure ?There are places where I read god tests his beloved souls a lot more ….I often felt life was too unjust and this plausibility that it was gods test,just doesn’t suffice my heart .And fellas,more often than not ,its the ones who suffer ,that come up questions ,so I guess it’s ok to ask . -
Thanks….jazakallah hu khair
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Aww ! Touchedd :'(
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As’salaam alaykum. SubhanAllah, this speech is very inspiring and touching. It as impacted my life significantly. Sometimes we think we’re the poorest in the world but unfortunately we’re blessed with home, clean water, food and lot more. There are millions of people in the world who don’t have fraction of what Allah has blessed us. Hence, let us keeping thanking Allah and glorify him. Be steadfast and not to get worried or depressed. May Allah azal wajala bless us and remove all calamities in our lives.
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Baraka LLahu fiikm, thanks a lot.
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Assalam Alaikum,
Allah azal wajalal is so merciful lets be steadfast in our deen by encouraging one another. in some country it is very difficult to be a practicing muslim, Allhamundulila with the lectures that we get every day from the internet downloads our imann is growing day by day. May Allah grant us patience. Ameen
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