Benefits of Surah Al-Insan: Surah Ad-Dahr

Surah Al-Insan, also known as Surah Ad-Dahr, holds renown in the Quran for its profound blessings and mercy.This scripture guides marital bliss, supports newlyweds, and aids during hardships.Surah Al Insan is in Juzz number 29, with only 31 verses that discuss many important topics. And it’s the Surah number 76 in the holy Quran. We will discuss in this article the benefits of Surah Al-Insan.

Table of Contents

The Naming of Surah Al-Insan

Surah Al-Insan derives its name from the opening verse, which poses a thought-provoking question regarding the insignificance of humanity at certain points in time:

“Has there not come upon man a period of time when he was not a thing [even] mentioned?” (Quran 76:1)

هَلْ أَتَىٰ عَلَى ٱلْإِنسَـٰنِ حِينٌۭ مِّنَ ٱلدَّهْرِ لَمْ يَكُن شَيْـًۭٔا مَّذْكُورًا ١

This verse reflects on the transient nature of human existence and underscores the humble origins of mankind. Additionally, the term “Insan,” meaning “human” or “man,” encapsulates the essence of humanity and serves as a focal point for the Surah’s thematic exploration.

Exploring the Themes of Surah Al-Insan

Surah Al-Insan offers insights into human existence and divine guidance found in the Quran. Here’s a breakdown of the key themes discussed in this Surah:

Creation of Humans: The Surah explores Allah’s creation of humans, highlighting divine wisdom and purpose behind their existence. It reflects on the unique position bestowed upon humanity and the responsibilities that come with it.
Rewards of the Righteous: Surah Al-Insan explains the rewards for those leading righteous lives and following Islam’s teachings. It describes Paradise’s blessings for righteous believers, highlighting their ultimate fulfillment and happiness in the Hereafter.
Guidance for Righteousness: The Surah provides guidance on how individuals can attain righteousness and strive towards earning a place in Paradise. It emphasizes the importance of faith, good deeds, and obedience to Allah’s commands as essential elements for achieving righteousness and securing eternal bliss.
Revelation of the Quran: Surah Al-Insan reaffirms the Quran’s divine origin and its role as guidance for humanity. It underscores the role of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) as the recipient of revelation and emphasizes the Quran’s role in guiding people toward the path of righteousness and salvation.
Punishment of Disbelievers: The Surah warns of consequences for rejecting faith and disobeying Allah’s commands, alongside righteous rewards. It describes the punishment reserved for the disbelievers, emphasizing the importance of faith and obedience in avoiding spiritual downfall.

When Was Surah Dahr Revealed?

Scholars widely believe that Surah Dahr, also known as Surah Insan, is a Meccan Surah revealed during Prophet Muhammad’s (Peace Be Upon Him) time in Mecca. The Meccan Surahs, emphasizing fundamental Islamic beliefs and moral guidance, were revealed during the initial 13 years of the Prophetic mission when the Muslim community faced persecution and hardship.

During the Meccan period, the Muslim community was small and vulnerable, enduring challenges and opposition from the Quraysh tribe. Scholars consider Surah Dahr one of the earlier revelations, although its exact timing remains uncertain. Believers maintain that it revealed early in the Prophetic mission, offering guidance and solace to Muslims amidst adversity.

Reasons for the Revelation of Surah Al-Insan

Surah Al-Insan revealed to address two main incidents, shedding light on the exemplary conduct and devotion of certain individuals:

1. **Illness of Hassan and Hussain:** The Surah recounts the story of the illness suffered by Hassan and Hussain, the grandsons of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him). In response to their ailment, Allah commanded the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) to observe a three-day fast, accompanied by his daughter Fatima, her husband Ali, and their servant Fiddah. Despite the hardship involved, they fulfilled their vow and sacrificed their own food to feed the needy, as exemplified by the verse:

“They fulfill their vows and fear a day who’s ill will be widespread. And give food—despite their desire for it—to the poor, the orphan, and the captive.” (Quran 76:7-8)

يُوفُونَ بِٱلنَّذْرِ وَيَخَافُونَ يَوْمًۭا كَانَ شَرُّهُۥ مُسْتَطِيرًۭا ٧

وَيُطْعِمُونَ ٱلطَّعَامَ عَلَىٰ حُبِّهِۦ مِسْكِينًۭا وَيَتِيمًۭا وَأَسِيرًا ٨

Their selfless act of charity and devotion to Allah’s command led to the eventual cure of Hassan and Hussain, highlighting the importance of generosity and piety.

2. **Exemplary Character of Ali:** Surah Al-Insan also praises the devout worship and righteous deeds of Ali, emphasizing his commitment to fasting, night prayers, and giving zakat (charity). The verse, “Did he come upon man when he was from eternity?” (Quran 76:1), is interpreted as a commendation of Ali’s unwavering devotion and steadfastness in his worship of Allah.

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Why Surah Dahr is Also Known as Surah Al-Insan

Surah Dahr, recognized as Surah Insan, carries dual significance rooted in Islamic tradition, each name offering profound insights into the chapter’s thematic essence.

Surah Dahr

The term “Dahr,” translating to “Time” or “Eon” in English, originates from the Surah’s opening verse, addressing the passage of time. Within its verses, Surah Dahr delves into the concept of time, human creation, and the stages of human development. Moreover, it contemplates life’s transient nature, emphasizing the importance of acknowledging the divine and the afterlife.

Surah Insan

“Insan,” meaning “Human” or “Man” in English, aptly characterizes the Surah’s focus on humanity. Surah Insan extensively discusses human beings, encompassing their creation, nature, and journey through life. It highlights humans’ dual nature, their potential for good and evil, and the consequences in the hereafter.

Connection Between the Names

The linkage between “Dahr” and “Insan” lies in the Surah’s thematic core. Surah Dahr ponders time alongside humanity’s role, nature, and destiny. Furthermore, it offers profound reflections on human existence, addressing the complexities of life, choices made, and the ultimate consequences. This provides a holistic portrayal of the human experience from an Islamic standpoint.

How is Jannah described in Surah Al-Insan?

Surah Al-Insan describes Jannah (Paradise) as a place of immense beauty and tranquility. Moreover, it illustrates how believers will receive rewards for their righteousness and piety.

Each individual in Jannah will have their own garden, lush with fruits and shade, providing comfort and solace. The climate will be perfect, neither too hot nor too cold, ensuring perpetual bliss for its inhabitants.

The dwellers of Jannah will wear garments made of silk, reflecting the luxury and elegance of their surroundings. Fruits will hang low, easily accessible to the people, and the canopy of their gardens will provide shade.

In Paradise, craftsmen will fashion cups from crystal, exuding purity and brilliance. Additionally, they will make vessels of silver, further adding to the opulence of the environment. Moreover, the residents will indulge in the exquisite flavor of ginger-flavored wine, sourced from a spring named Salsabeel, thereby enhancing their enjoyment and satisfaction in Jannah.

Allah described Jannah in surah Insaan in the following verse:

وَجَزَىٰهُم بِمَا صَبَرُوا۟ جَنَّةًۭ وَحَرِيرًۭا ١٢

and reward them for their perseverance with a Garden ˹in Paradise˺ and ˹garments of˺ silk.

مُّتَّكِـِٔينَ فِيهَا عَلَى ٱلْأَرَآئِكِ ۖ لَا يَرَوْنَ فِيهَا شَمْسًۭا وَلَا زَمْهَرِيرًۭا ١٣

There they will be reclining on ˹canopied˺ couches, never seeing scorching heat or bitter cold.1

وَدَانِيَةً عَلَيْهِمْ ظِلَـٰلُهَا وَذُلِّلَتْ قُطُوفُهَا تَذْلِيلًۭا ١٤

The Garden’s shade will be right above them, and its fruit will be made very easy to reach.

وَيُطَافُ عَلَيْهِم بِـَٔانِيَةٍۢ مِّن فِضَّةٍۢ وَأَكْوَابٍۢ كَانَتْ قَوَارِيرَا۠ ١٥

They will be waited on with silver vessels and cups of crystal—

قَوَارِيرَا۟ مِن فِضَّةٍۢ قَدَّرُوهَا تَقْدِيرًۭا ١٦

crystalline silver, filled precisely as desired.

وَيُسْقَوْنَ فِيهَا كَأْسًۭا كَانَ مِزَاجُهَا زَنجَبِيلًا ١٧

And they will be given a drink ˹of pure wine˺ flavored with ginger

عَيْنًۭا فِيهَا تُسَمَّىٰ سَلْسَبِيلًۭا ١٨

from a spring there, called Salsabîl.

۞ وَيَطُوفُ عَلَيْهِمْ وِلْدَٰنٌۭ مُّخَلَّدُونَ إِذَا رَأَيْتَهُمْ حَسِبْتَهُمْ لُؤْلُؤًۭا مَّنثُورًۭا ١٩