Surah Al-A'raf

Learn this table first: the MCQs and the 2-mark questions on the introduction of the surah come straight from it.

The name and the reason for it

• The surah is called Al-A'raf because «الْأَعْرَاف» (the heights) is mentioned in it: between the people of Paradise and the people of Hell there is a partition, and on the heights are men who recognise everyone by his mark (7:46); they are called «أَصْحَابُ الْأَعْرَاف» (7:48).
• The word «الْأَعْرَاف» comes in 7:46 and 7:48. The name is taken from this scene of the Day of Judgement; it is not the main subject of the surah.

Period and occasion of revelation (shan-e-nuzul)

Al-A'raf is a Makki surah of the late Makki period. It belongs to the same stage as Al-An'am: the call of the Prophet (ﷺ) had been given openly for years, the Quraish had denied it and persecuted the believers, and the time of the Hijrah was drawing near. Like most long Makki surahs it has no single occasion of revelation (shan-e-nuzul in the sense of one incident). Its shan-e-nuzul is the situation of Makkah: the Quraish asked why the Prophet (ﷺ) brought no sign, said he should have produced or chosen a sign himself (7:203), and refused to leave the ways of their fathers (7:28, 7:70). The surah answers them by telling how earlier nations treated their prophets and how they ended, and warns the Quraish that the same law of Allah applies to them.

• A particular ayah with its own background: 7:31 (take your adornment at every masjid). The pagans of Makkah used to circle the Kaabah naked; Hazrat Ibn Abbas (RA) reported that this ayah came down about it (Sahih Muslim).
• If the question says only 'write the shan-e-nuzul of Al-A'raf', write the Makkan situation (denial, demands, persecution, the nearness of the Hijrah) and add 7:31 as the one ayah with a known occasion.

The central theme

The central theme is the call to follow the messenger sent by Allah, with a warning from history. The surah tells man who he is (Adam's child, whom Satan wants to mislead, 7:11 to 27), asks him to follow the guidance of the messengers (7:35 to 36, 7:158), and shows through the nations of Nuh, Hud, Salih, Lut, Shu'aib and Pharaoh, and the failures of Bani Israel, what happens to those who deny.

Main topics in order

1. Ayat 1 to 10: the Book revealed, the warning for the cities, the weighing of deeds.
2. Ayat 11 to 25: Adam (AS), the prostration, Iblis's refusal and vow, the tree, the fall and repentance.
3. Ayat 26 to 39: clothing and adornment, what Allah has forbidden, the messengers who come to Adam's children.
4. Ayat 40 to 58: the end of the deniers and the believers, the heights, the creation in six days, the manner of prayer.
5. Ayat 59 to 102: Nuh, Hud, Salih, Lut and Shu'aib (AS) and their nations; the law of Allah about cities.
6. Ayat 103 to 162: Musa (AS) and Pharaoh, the crossing, the forty nights, the calf, the Final Prophet foretold (7:157).
7. Ayat 163 to 181: the People of the Sabbath, the covenant of Alast, the example of the man who left Allah's signs, Allah's beautiful names.
8. Ayat 182 to 206: the Hour, the Prophet's (ﷺ) humanity, the helplessness of false gods, the manners: forgive, enjoin good, listen to the Quran, remember Allah, sajdah.

Only well-known facts are given here. There is no long hadith of fadail for the whole surah, and none should be invented.

• The Prophet (ﷺ) used to recite Al-A'raf in the Maghrib prayer. Hazrat Zaid bin Thabit (RA) told Marwan, who recited short surahs in Maghrib, that he had seen the Prophet (ﷺ) recite the longer of the two long surahs, and the report explains that this longer surah is Al-A'raf (Sahih Bukhari, Nasai).
• It is the longest Makki surah and, in the common view, one of the seven long surahs (as-sab' at-tiwal).
• It ends with the first sajdah of recitation in the Quran (7:206); the Prophet (ﷺ) said that when the son of Adam recites a sajdah ayah and prostrates, Satan goes away weeping (Sahih Muslim, from Hazrat Abu Hurairah (RA)).

Allah created man, honoured him, and told the angels to prostrate to Adam (AS). Iblis refused out of pride, was expelled, and swore to mislead Adam's children. This is the first lesson of the surah: Satan is the open enemy of man.

The events in order

1. Allah created man and shaped him, then told the angels to prostrate to Adam; all prostrated except Iblis (7:11).
2. Iblis's excuse was pride: 'I am better than him; You created me from fire and him from clay' (7:12). He was ordered down from Paradise and called one of the debased (7:13).
3. He asked for respite until the Day of Resurrection and Allah granted it (7:14 to 15).
4. He vowed to sit in wait on Allah's straight path and to come to men from the front, the back, the right and the left (7:16 to 17). Allah warned that Hell would be filled with him and his followers (7:18).
5. Adam (AS) and his wife were told to live in Paradise and eat freely, but not to approach one tree (7:19).
6. Satan whispered that the tree was forbidden only so that they would become angels or immortal, and swore that he was a sincere adviser (7:20 to 21). They tasted it, their private parts became apparent, and they began to cover themselves with the leaves of Paradise (7:22).
7. They repented at once with the prayer of 7:23 and Allah forgave them, but ordered them down to the earth to live, die and be raised from it (7:24 to 25).

Lessons

• Pride and arrogance were the sin of Iblis; humility and quick repentance were the way of Adam (AS).
• Satan attacks from every side and uses sweet words and false oaths; he is the open enemy of man.
• A mistake followed by sincere repentance is forgiven; stubborn pride is not.
• Earth is the place of trial for man, not his final home (7:24 to 25).

After the story of Adam (AS), Allah reminds his children that clothing is a blessing and a means of covering, and gives the rulings on dress, adornment, eating and drinking, and the five things He has forbidden. This is long-question topic 3.

Points with ayah numbers

1. Clothing is a gift of Allah: it covers the private parts and is an adornment («رِيْشًا») (7:26).
2. The best clothing is the clothing of righteousness («لِبَاسُ التَّقْوٰى»), taqwa and modesty (7:26).
3. Do not let Satan tempt you as he took your parents out of Paradise and stripped them of their clothing; nakedness is his work (7:27).
4. When people commit an indecency and say 'we found our fathers doing it, and Allah ordered it', say: Allah does not order indecency (7:28). Blind following of fathers is no proof.
5. Allah orders justice, and to turn to Him sincerely at every place of prostration (7:29).
6. 'Take your adornment at every masjid' (7:31): dress properly and cleanly for prayer and tawaf. The pagans did tawaf naked (Sahih Muslim, Hazrat Ibn Abbas (RA)).
7. 'Eat and drink but do not be excessive; Allah does not like the extravagant' («الْمُسْرِفِيْنَ») (7:31).
8. Nobody can forbid the adornment and good provision that Allah has produced for His servants (7:32).
9. Allah has forbidden only: indecencies, open and hidden; sin («الْإِثْم»); oppression without right; shirk; and saying about Allah what you do not know (7:33).

Lessons for today

• Dress modestly and cleanly, especially for prayer; shameless and revealing fashion is the way of Satan.
• Enjoy lawful food and clothing but avoid waste and showing off.
• Do not declare things halal or haram without knowledge; check with the Quran and the Sunnah.
• Do not defend a wrong custom by saying 'our elders did it'.

Al-A'raf describes the Day of Judgement more than once. The scene of the Heights gives the surah its name.

• The weighing of deeds that Day is the truth: those whose scales are heavy will succeed, and those whose scales are light will lose themselves (7:8 to 9).
• The gates of heaven will not open for those who deny Our signs and are arrogant, and they will not enter Paradise until a camel enters the eye of a needle (7:40).
• The people of Paradise will call to the people of Hell: we found our Lord's promise true; have you found yours true? (7:44).
• Between them is a partition, and on the Heights («الْأَعْرَاف») are men who know everyone by his mark. They greet the people of Paradise with 'peace be upon you'; they have not entered yet but hope to (7:46). They fear Hell and pray not to be placed with the wrongdoers (7:47).
• The people of the Heights will speak to the leaders of the disbelievers (7:48), and Allah will tell them: enter Paradise, no fear on you, nor will you grieve (7:49).
• The people of Hell will beg for water; Allah has forbidden it to the disbelievers, who took religion as amusement and play («لَهْوًا وَّلَعِبًا») and were deluded by the worldly life (7:50 to 51).

• Allah created the heavens and the earth in six days and then established Himself above the Throne (7:54). The creation and the command are His alone.
• He covers the day with the night, and the sun, moon and stars are made subject to His command (7:54).
• Call upon your Lord in humility and in secret; Allah does not like those who transgress (7:55). Call upon Him with fear and hope (7:56).
• Do not spread corruption on the earth after it has been set right (7:56); Allah's mercy is near to the doers of good.
• The winds carry the rain clouds to a dead land and bring it to life; the same way the dead will be raised (7:57). Good land gives good crops by Allah's leave (7:58).

Hazrat Nuh (AS), 7:59 to 64

• He called his people to worship Allah alone and warned of the punishment of a great day (7:59).
• The chiefs («الْمَلَأ») of his people said: we see you in clear error (7:60). He replied that he was a messenger of the Lord of the worlds, conveying His messages and advising them (7:61 to 62).
• They denied him; Allah saved him and those with him in the ship and drowned the deniers, a blind people (7:64).

Hazrat Hud (AS) and the people of Aad, 7:65 to 72

• Hud (AS) was sent to Aad, 'their brother', who lived in the sand-dune region of Al-Ahqaf in south Arabia (46:21). He called them to worship Allah alone (7:65).
• The disbelieving chiefs called him foolish and a liar (7:66). He answered that he was a trustworthy adviser (7:67 to 68).
• He reminded them of Allah's favour: He made them successors after the people of Nuh and increased them in stature (7:69).
• They answered: have you come to make us leave what our fathers worshipped? Bring the punishment you promise (7:70).
• Allah saved Hud (AS) and those with him by His mercy and cut off the roots of the deniers (7:72). A furious wind destroyed them (69:6 to 7).

The model paper asks: what sign did the people of Thamud demand from Hazrat Salih (AS)? and has an MCQ: Hazrat Salih (AS) was sent to which people? Learn this story with its ayah numbers.

• After the hamstringing, Salih (AS) gave them three days to enjoy their homes, and the promise of punishment came true (11:65).
• Lesson: the arrogant refuse a clear sign because of pride; harming a sign of Allah and daring Him to punish brings destruction.

Hazrat Lut (AS), 7:80 to 84

• He asked his people: do you commit an indecency which no one in the worlds did before you? (7:80).
• They approached men instead of women with desire; Lut (AS) called them a transgressing people (7:81).
• Their only answer: drive them out of your town; they are men who keep themselves pure (7:82).
• Allah saved Lut (AS) and his family except his wife, who stayed behind, and rained a rain of stones on the rest (7:83 to 84).

Hazrat Shu'aib (AS) and Madyan, 7:85 to 93

• Shu'aib (AS) was sent to Madyan, a people of north-west Arabia, near the Gulf of Aqabah (common view). He called them to worship Allah alone (7:85).
• Their sins: giving short measure and weight, depriving people of their due, spreading corruption (7:85), and sitting on every road threatening the believers and turning people from Allah's path (7:86).
• The arrogant chiefs threatened: we shall drive you and the believers out of our town unless you return to our religion (7:88). Shu'aib (AS) refused and put his trust in Allah (7:89).
• The earthquake seized them and they lay lifeless in their homes (7:91). He turned away saying: how can I grieve for a disbelieving people? (7:93).

This table collects the wrong deeds of every nation in the surah with its result. It is the base of the 8-mark answer.

Allah's law about cities (7:94 to 102)

• Allah tests a people with hardship and ease so that they humble themselves (7:94 to 95).
• If the people of the cities had believed and feared Allah, He would have opened blessings from heaven and earth (7:96).
• Do not feel secure from Allah's punishment by night or by day, while at play (7:97 to 99); only the losing people feel secure from Allah's plan (7:99).
• Those who inherited the land after the earlier people should learn from them (7:100). Their sins sealed their hearts (7:100 to 101).

Lessons

• The cause of destruction is denial of the messenger, pride, and moral sins; the nation is not destroyed before the message reaches it.
• Never feel secure from Allah's plan; worldly comfort is a test.
• Faith and taqwa bring Allah's blessings (7:96).
• Honesty in trade, modesty and obedience to the prophets are the ways of safety.

1. Musa (AS) came to Pharaoh and his chiefs with Allah's signs and said: I am a messenger from the Lord of the worlds; send the Children of Israel with me (7:103 to 105).
2. The two signs: his staff became a clear serpent, and his hand came out white and shining (7:107 to 108).
3. The chiefs called him a learned magician who wanted to drive them out of their land (7:109 to 110). Pharaoh gathered the magicians of the cities, promising rewards and nearness (7:111 to 114).
4. The magicians threw their ropes and bewitched the eyes of the people (7:116). Allah told Musa (AS) to throw his staff and it swallowed up their falsehood (7:117 to 118).
5. The magicians fell down in prostration: we believe in the Lord of the worlds, the Lord of Musa and Harun (7:120 to 122).
6. Pharaoh threatened to cut their hands and feet on opposite sides and crucify them (7:123 to 124). They answered: we shall return to our Lord; our Lord, pour patience upon us and let us die as Muslims (7:125 to 126).
7. Musa (AS) told his people: seek help from Allah and be patient; the earth belongs to Allah and the good end is for the righteous (7:128).
8. Allah seized Pharaoh's people with famine and shortage of fruit (7:130), then sent the flood, locusts, lice, frogs and blood as clear signs (7:133). Each time they promised to believe and then broke the promise (7:134 to 135).
9. Allah drowned them in the sea and made the oppressed people inheritors of the land (7:136 to 137).

Lessons

• Truth overcomes falsehood; the magicians accepted faith as soon as they saw the truth.
• Patience and trust in Allah are the weapon of the oppressed (7:128).
• Those who break promises after relief from a trial are punished.

• After crossing the sea, Bani Israel saw a people worshipping idols and said: O Musa, make us a god like theirs. He said: you are an ignorant people (7:138 to 140).
• Allah appointed thirty nights and completed them with ten, so forty nights. Musa (AS) left his brother Harun (AS) in charge (7:142).
• When Allah spoke to him, Musa (AS) asked: show me Yourself. Allah said: you will not see Me, but look at the mountain. The mountain was levelled and Musa (AS) fell unconscious; he awoke and repented (7:143).
• Allah chose him with His messages and words, and wrote the tablets for him (7:144 to 145).
• In his absence the people made a calf from their ornaments, an image with a lowing sound, and worshipped it (7:148). They later regretted and asked for forgiveness (7:149).
• Musa (AS) returned angry and grieved, threw down the tablets and seized his brother's head. Harun (AS) said the people had overpowered him and were about to kill him. Musa (AS) prayed for forgiveness for himself and his brother (7:150 to 151).
• Those who worshipped the calf got Allah's anger and humiliation, but those who repent and believe are forgiven (7:152 to 153).
• Musa (AS) chose seventy men for the appointed meeting; the earthquake («الرَّجْفَةُ») seized them and he prayed for mercy (7:155 to 156).

• Allah writes His mercy for those who follow the Messenger, the unlettered prophet, whom they find written in the Torah and the Gospel (7:156 to 157).
• He enjoins what is right, forbids what is wrong, makes lawful the good things, prohibits the bad, and removes their burdens and shackles (7:157).
• The successful are those who believe in him, honour him, help him and follow the light sent with him (7:157).
• The Prophet (ﷺ) is told to say: O mankind, I am the Messenger of Allah to you all (7:158). His message is universal.
• The disbelievers called him mad; the Quran answers that he is only a clear warner (7:184). The Hour is known only to Allah (7:187).
• The Prophet (ﷺ) says: I have no power over benefit or harm for myself except what Allah wills; if I knew the unseen I would have collected much good. I am only a warner and a bringer of good news (7:188).

The People of the Sabbath are mentioned in this surah (model MCQ 4). This is long-question topic 4.

The story in order

1. Allah tells the Prophet (ﷺ) to ask the Jews about the town by the sea (7:163). The Quran does not name it; commentators commonly say it was Aylah on the shore of the Red Sea.
2. The Sabbath (Saturday) was a day of rest and worship for Bani Israel; fishing was forbidden on it.
3. As a test, the fish came openly to the surface on the Sabbath, and did not come on other days (7:163).
4. Some people broke the Sabbath (7:163). Commentators say they used tricks, such as setting nets before the Sabbath and taking the fish after it.
5. A group of the town said to the advisers: why do you warn a people whom Allah is going to destroy or punish severely? The advisers said: to be excused before your Lord, and perhaps they will fear Him (7:164).
6. When they forgot the reminder, Allah saved those who forbade evil and seized the wrongdoers with a wretched punishment (7:165).
7. When they persisted in what they were forbidden, Allah said: be apes, despised («قِرَدَةً خَاسِئِيْنَ») (7:166).

Lessons

• Trying to get around Allah's command by tricks is disobedience, and it brings His punishment.
• Enjoining good and forbidding evil is a duty; those who did it were saved (7:165).
• Advice is given to be excused before Allah, and so that people may fear Him (7:164), even if it seems to have no effect.
• Wealth and easy gain should not make us break the limits of Allah.
• Sin that was committed openly and was ignored by the community brings a common punishment.

• Allah took from the loins of Adam's children their offspring and made them testify: 'Am I not your Lord?' They said: 'Yes, we testify' (7:172). It means that the knowledge of Allah as Lord is placed in human nature.
• So that on the Day of Resurrection no one says: we were unaware (7:172), or: our fathers were mushriks and we only followed them (7:173).
• A man to whom Allah gave knowledge of His signs left them and Satan followed him; he became one of the misled (7:175). He clung to the earth and followed his desire, so his example is like a dog that pants whether chased or left (7:176). The Quran does not name him; some commentators mention a man of Bani Israel named Bal'am.
• Many jinn and men are created for Hell: they have hearts, eyes and ears but do not use them; they are like cattle, even more astray (7:179).
• To Allah belong the best names, so call Him by them, and leave those who twist His names (7:180).

• It is Allah who created man from one soul and made from it its mate (7:189). Yet they associate partners with Him, though those partners create nothing and cannot help themselves (7:190 to 192).
• The false gods are servants like you; they have no feet, hands, eyes or ears to help (7:194 to 195). The Prophet (ﷺ) says: my protector is Allah who sent down the Book (7:196).

1. Take what is easy (forgive), enjoin what is good, and turn away from the ignorant (7:199).
2. When an evil suggestion comes from Satan, seek refuge in Allah; He is Hearing, Knowing (7:200). The God-fearing remember Allah when Satan touches them and then see clearly (7:201).
3. The Prophet (ﷺ) follows only what is revealed to him; the Quran is enlightenment, guidance and mercy for believers (7:203).
4. When the Quran is recited, listen to it and be silent so that you receive mercy (7:204).
5. Remember your Lord within yourself, humbly and in fear, in a low voice, morning and evening, and do not be heedless (7:205).
6. The angels near Allah are never too proud to worship Him; they glorify Him and prostrate (7:206). This is the sajdah of recitation.

Ruku 1 (ayat 1 to 10)

The Book is revealed to the Prophet (ﷺ) to warn and to remind the believers; follow what is sent down by your Lord and no other protectors (7:1 to 3). Many cities were destroyed and their only cry was 'we were wrongdoers' (7:4 to 5). Messengers and nations will be questioned (7:6 to 7). The weighing of deeds is the truth (7:8 to 9). Allah made man dwell on the earth with ways of livelihood, yet few are grateful (7:10).

Ruku 2 (ayat 11 to 25)

The story of Adam (AS), the prostration, the pride of Iblis, his vow and the fall and repentance of Adam (AS) and Hawwa. See the section 'Hazrat Adam (AS) and Iblis'.

Ruku 3 (ayat 26 to 31)

Clothing, adornment, the work of Satan, and the commands: justice, turn to Allah sincerely at every prayer, take adornment at every masjid, eat and drink without waste (7:26 to 31). See the section on dress and adornment.

Teachings

• Satan is an open enemy; seek refuge from him.
• Repent quickly after a mistake.
• Wear modest clothing and do not waste.

Ruku 4 (ayat 32 to 39)

Nobody may forbid Allah's adornment and good provision (7:32). Allah forbids only indecencies, sin, oppression, shirk and speaking about Allah without knowledge (7:33). Every nation has an appointed term (7:34). If messengers come to Adam's children, whoever fears Allah and reforms will have no fear and no grief (7:35); the deniers are the people of the Fire (7:36). The people of Hell will curse each other (7:38 to 39).

Ruku 5 (ayat 40 to 47)

The gates of heaven will not open for the arrogant deniers; they will not enter Paradise until a camel passes through the eye of a needle (7:40). The believers who do good are the people of Paradise; Allah burdens no soul beyond its capacity (7:42); resentment is removed from their hearts (7:43). The people of Paradise and Hell speak to each other (7:44 to 45). The Heights and its men (7:46 to 47).

Ruku 6 (ayat 48 to 53)

The people of the Heights address the leaders of the disbelievers (7:48) and Allah says: enter Paradise, you have no fear (7:49). The people of Hell beg for water and are refused (7:50). They took religion as amusement and play, so Allah forgets them as they forgot the meeting of this Day (7:51). The Book was detailed with knowledge as guidance and mercy (7:52). On the Day its result comes, they will say: the messengers brought the truth (7:53).

Teachings

• Do not take religion as amusement and play.
• Pride closes the doors of Allah's mercy.
• Allah asks nothing beyond a soul's capacity (7:42).

Ruku 7 (ayat 54 to 58)

Allah created the heavens and earth in six days; He rules the night and day, the sun, moon and stars (7:54). Call Him humbly and secretly, do not spread corruption (7:55 to 56). He sends the winds and rain to the dead land (7:57 to 58).

Ruku 8 (ayat 59 to 64)

Hazrat Nuh (AS): call to tawhid, the chiefs say he is in error, the ship saves the believers and the deniers drown (7:59 to 64).

Ruku 9 (ayat 65 to 72)

Hazrat Hud (AS) and Aad: call to tawhid, the chiefs call him foolish, they ask for the punishment, Allah saves Hud (AS) and cuts off the deniers (7:65 to 72).

Teachings

• Allah alone is the Creator and the Ruler; call only Him.
• A prophet is a sincere adviser and a man from among the people.
• Remember Allah's favours and do not be proud.

Ruku 10 (ayat 73 to 84)

Hazrat Salih (AS) and Thamud, the she-camel, her hamstringing and the earthquake (7:73 to 79). Hazrat Lut (AS) and his people, the rain of stones (7:80 to 84).

Ruku 11 (ayat 85 to 93)

Hazrat Shu'aib (AS) and Madyan: honesty in measure, no threatening on the roads, the threat of expulsion and the earthquake (7:85 to 93).

Ruku 12 (ayat 94 to 99)

Allah's law: He seizes a city with hardship and then gives ease, then seizes it suddenly (7:94 to 95). Faith and fear of Allah bring blessings (7:96). Do not feel secure from His plan (7:97 to 99).

Teachings

• The signs of Allah must be respected.
• Be honest in measure and weight.
• Do not feel secure from Allah's plan.

Ruku 13 (ayat 100 to 108)

Warning from earlier nations (7:100 to 102). Musa (AS) goes to Pharaoh with the staff and the white hand (7:103 to 108).

Ruku 14 (ayat 109 to 126)

The contest with the magicians, their faith and Pharaoh's threat (7:109 to 126).

Ruku 15 (ayat 127 to 129)

Pharaoh's plan to kill Bani Israel's sons; Musa (AS) says: seek help from Allah and be patient (7:127 to 129).

Ruku 16 (ayat 130 to 141)

The famine, the five signs, the broken promises, the drowning of Pharaoh's people, the request for an idol and a reminder of the favours (7:130 to 141).

Teachings

• Seek help from Allah and be patient.
• Repeated promises broken after relief bring punishment.
• Do not ask for any god besides Allah.

Ruku 17 (ayat 142 to 147)

Forty nights; the vision request; the tablets; the arrogant turned away from the signs (7:142 to 147).

Ruku 18 (ayat 148 to 151)

The golden calf and Musa's anger; Harun's answer; Musa's prayer (7:148 to 151).

Ruku 19 (ayat 152 to 157)

Punishment of the calf-worshippers and forgiveness for the repentant (7:152 to 153); the seventy men (7:155); Allah's mercy encompasses all things, and the Final Prophet (ﷺ) foretold in the Torah and Gospel (7:156 to 157).

Teachings

• Idol worship is the biggest wrong.
• Repentance is accepted; Allah's mercy is vast.
• Follow the unlettered Prophet (ﷺ).

Ruku 20 (ayat 158 to 162)

The Prophet (ﷺ) is the Messenger of Allah to all mankind (7:158). A just community among Bani Israel (7:159). Twelve tribes, twelve springs, shade of clouds, manna and quails (7:160). Those who changed the words were punished (7:161 to 162).

Ruku 21 (ayat 163 to 171)

The People of the Sabbath (7:163 to 166); those who inherited the Book and loved worldly gain (7:169); those who hold the Book and pray are rewarded (7:170); the mountain raised over them (7:171).

Ruku 22 (ayat 172 to 181)

The covenant of Alast (7:172 to 174); the man who left the signs (7:175 to 177); Allah's best names (7:180); a just community (7:181).

Teachings

• Do not break Allah's limits by tricks.
• Hold fast to the Book and keep prayer.
• Call Allah by His beautiful names.

Ruku 23 (ayat 182 to 188)

Deniers are led gradually to destruction (7:182 to 183). The Prophet (ﷺ) is not mad (7:184). Look at the heavens and the earth (7:185). The Hour is known only to Allah (7:187). The Prophet (ﷺ) has no power over benefit or harm except as Allah wills (7:188).

Ruku 24 (ayat 189 to 206)

Allah created man from one soul (7:189); shirk is foolish (7:190 to 198); take forgiveness, enjoin good, turn from the ignorant (7:199); seek refuge from Satan (7:200 to 202); listen to the Quran (7:204); remember Allah morning and evening (7:205); sajdah (7:206).

Teachings

• Forgive, enjoin good and avoid arguing with the ignorant.
• Listen to the Quran in silence and with attention.
• Remember Allah morning and evening.

• Al-A'raf is the 7th surah, Makki, 206 ayat, 24 rukus, paras 8 and 9, and the longest Makki surah.
• The name is from «الْأَعْرَاف», the heights between Paradise and Hell (7:46, 7:48).
• It begins with the disjointed letters «الٓمٓصٓ».
• It was revealed in the late Makki period, the same period as Al-An'am.
• 7:206 is the sajdah of recitation, the first in the Quran.
• The Prophet (ﷺ) recited Al-A'raf in Maghrib (Sahih Bukhari).
• Allah created the heavens and the earth in six days (7:54).
• Iblis said he was better than Adam (AS) because he was created from fire and Adam (AS) from clay (7:12).
• The prayer of Adam (AS) and Hawwa after the fall is 7:23.
• «لِبَاسُ التَّقْوٰى» (the clothing of taqwa) is in 7:26.
• 7:31: take your adornment at every masjid; eat and drink but do not be excessive.
• 7:33: five forbidden things: indecencies, sin, oppression without right, shirk, and speaking about Allah without knowledge.
• 7:35: messengers from among you; whoever fears Allah and reforms has no fear and does not grieve.
• 7:40: the gates of heaven stay closed until a camel enters the eye of a needle.
• Prophets mentioned: Adam, Nuh, Hud, Salih, Lut, Shu'aib, Musa and Harun (AS).
• Nuh (AS) 7:59 to 64; Hud (AS) and Aad 7:65 to 72; Salih (AS) and Thamud 7:73 to 79; Lut (AS) 7:80 to 84; Shu'aib (AS) and Madyan 7:85 to 93.
• Thamud: she-camel of Allah as a sign (7:73), hamstrung (7:77), punished by «الرَّجْفَة» (7:78).
• Madyan: cheating in measure; Lut (AS): punished by a rain of stones (7:84).
• Pharaoh's people: five signs: flood, locusts, lice, frogs and blood (7:133).
• The magicians believed after seeing the staff swallow their ropes (7:117 to 122).
• Musa (AS) was given 40 nights (7:142) and asked to see Allah (7:143).
• The calf was made from ornaments (7:148); Musa (AS) chose seventy men (7:155).
• 7:157 foretells the unlettered Prophet (ﷺ); 7:158 says he is the Messenger to all mankind.
• The People of the Sabbath: 7:163 to 166; they were turned into apes (7:166).
• The covenant «اَلَسْتُ بِرَبِّكُمْ» is in 7:172.
• 7:180: to Allah belong the best names.
• 7:199: forgive, enjoin good, turn away from the ignorant; 7:204: listen to the Quran in silence.
• The 8 words of the 80-list from this surah: «الْأَعْرَاف»، «الْمُسْرِفِيْن»، «بَأْسُنَا»، «لَهْوًا وَّلَعِبًا»، «الْمَلَأ»، «الرَّجْفَة»، «الْإِثْم»، «يَحْزَنُوْن».
• Long topics from this surah: 3 (dress and adornment), 4 (the Sabbath incident), 5 (disliked deeds of past nations).