Why these 9 Surahs so popular in the Quran?, the holy book of Islam, is a rich tapestry of verses that offer guidance, wisdom, and spiritual insight. Among its 114 chapters (Surahs), certain ones are particularly revered and frequently recited.
Why These 9 Surahs So Popular?
Here, we explore nine of these Surahs, their English translations, and interpretations of their purposes.
1. Surah Al-Fatihah (1:1-7)
Known as the “Opening,” Surah Al-Fatihah is recited in every unit of prayer (Salah). It encapsulates the essence of worship, seeking guidance, mercy, and support from Allah. Its recitation fosters a deep connection between the believer and their Creator.
بِسْمِ اللَّهِ الرَّحْمَٰنِ الرَّحِيمِ
الْحَمْدُ لِلَّهِ رَبِّ الْعَالَمِينَ
الرَّحْمَٰنِ الرَّحِيمِ
مَالِكِ يَوْمِ الدِّينِ
إِيَّاكَ نَعْبُدُ وَإِيَّاكَ نَسْتَعِينُ
اهْدِنَا الصِّرَاطَ الْمُسْتَقِيمَ
صِرَاطَ الَّذِينَ أَنْعَمْتَ عَلَيْهِمْ غَيْرِ الْمَغْضُوبِ عَلَيْهِمْ وَلَا الضَّالِّينَ
Translation:
“In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful.
Praise be to Allah, the Lord of all the worlds.
The Most Gracious, the Most Merciful.
Master of the Day of Judgment.
You alone we worship, and You alone we ask for help.
Guide us on the Straight Path,
the path of those who have received Your grace; not the path of those who have brought down wrath upon themselves, nor of those who have gone astray.”
2. Surah Al-Baqarah (Chapter 2)
Surah Al-Baqarah, the longest Surah, covers various themes, including guidance for personal development, community laws, and moral conduct. It teaches resilience and faith, assuring believers that Allah does not place burdens beyond their capabilities.
لَا يُكَلِّفُ اللَّهُ نَفْسًا إِلَّا وُسْعَهَا
Translation (Part of Ayat 286):
“Allah does not burden a soul beyond that it can bear…”
3. Surah Yasin (36:1-83)
Often referred to as the “heart of the Quran,” Surah Yasin emphasizes the importance of faith and the message of monotheism. It comforts believers about life after death, serving as a reminder of Allah’s mercy and the transient nature of worldly life.
سَلَامٌ قَوْلًا مِنْ رَبٍّ رَحِيمٍ
Translation (Part of 36:58):
“Peace! A word from a Merciful Lord.”
4. Surah Al-Mulk (67:1-30)
Surah Al-Mulk underscores the greatness of creation and Allah’s authority over it. It encourages reflection on the universe, promoting gratitude for the life provided. It is often recited for protection from the trials of the grave.
هُوَ الَّذِي جَعَلَ لَكُمُ الْأَرْضَ ذَلُولًا فَامْشُوا فِي مَنَاكِبِهَا وَكُلُوا مِنْ رِزْقِهِ ۖ وَإِلَيْهِ النُّشُورُ
Translation (Part of 67:15):
“It is He who made the earth subservient to you, so traverse in its pathways and partake of the sustenance which He has provided. And to Him will you be resurrected.”
5. Surah Al-Ikhlas (112:1-4)
Surah Al-Ikhlas is a declaration of the oneness of Allah (Tawheed). Its simplicity and profound message make it a cornerstone of Islamic belief. Reciting it is believed to equal the reward of reciting a third of the Quran.
قُلْ هُوَ اللَّهُ أَحَدٌ
اللَّهُ الصَّمَدُ
لَمْ يَلِدْ وَلَمْ يُولَدْ
وَلَمْ يَكُنْ لَهُ كُفُوًا أَحَدٌ
Translation:
“Say, ‘He is Allah, [who is] One,
Allah, the Eternal Refuge.
He neither begets nor is born,
Nor is there to Him any equivalent.’”
6. Surah Al-Kahf (18:1-110)
Surah Al-Kahf narrates the stories of trials faced by believers, such as the People of the Cave. It emphasizes patience, faith, and reliance on Allah. It is particularly recited on Fridays for spiritual protection and guidance.
إِذْ أَوَى الْفِتْيَةُ إِلَى الْكَهْفِ فَقَالُوا رَبَّنَا آتِنَا مِنْ لَدُنْكَ رَحْمَةً وَهَيِّئْ لَنَا مِنْ أَمْرِنَا رَشَدًا
Translation (Part of 18:10):
“When the youths sought refuge in the cave and said, ‘Our Lord, grant us from Yourself mercy and prepare for us from our affair right guidance.’”
7. Surah Taha (20:1-135)
Surah Taha recounts the story of Prophet Moses and his mission. It conveys themes of perseverance and trust in Allah’s plan. The Surah reassures believers facing difficulties, encouraging them to seek help from Allah.
قَالَ رَبِّ اشْرَحْ لِي صَدْرِي
وَيَسِّرْ لِي أَمْرِي
Translation (Part of 20:25-26):
[Moses] said, “My Lord, expand for me my breast and ease for me my task.”
9. Surah Ad-Duhaa (93:1-11)
Surah Ad-Duhaa offers comfort and assurance to the Prophet Muhammad during challenging times. It highlights Allah’s continuous support and mercy, reminding believers of hope and the importance of gratitude for His blessings.
وَالضُّحَىٰ
وَاللَّيْلِ إِذَا سَجَىٰ
مَا وَدَّعَكَ رَبُّكَ وَمَا قَلَىٰ
Translation:
“By the morning brightness,
And [by] the night when it covers with darkness,
Your Lord has not taken leave of you, [O Muhammad], nor has He detested [you].”
The Most Popular Verse in the Quran
Ayatul Kursi (Surah Al-Baqarah, 2:255)
Ayatul Kursi is often recited for protection and blessings. It emphasizes the greatness and sovereignty of Allah, serving as a reminder of His omnipotence and knowledge. Many believe reciting it can protect them from evil and grant them peace of mind.
اللَّهُ لَا إِلَٰهَ إِلَّا هُوَ الْحَيُّ الْقَيُّومُ ۚ لَا تَأْخُذُهُ سِنَةٌ وَلَا نَوْمٌ ۚ لَهُ مَا فِي السَّمَاوَاتِ وَمَا فِي الْأَرْضِ ۗ مَنْ ذَا الَّذِي يَشْفَعُ عِنْدَهُ إِلَّا بِإِذْنِهِ ۚ يَعْلَمُ مَا بَيْنَ أَيْدِيهِمْ وَمَا خَلْفَهُمْ وَلَا يُحِيطُونَ بِشَيْءٍ مِنْ عِلْمِهِ إِلَّا بِمَا شَاءَ ۚ وَسِعَ كُرْسِيُّهُ السَّمَاوَاتِ وَالْأَرْضَ وَلَا يَئُودُهُ حِفْظُهُمَا ۚ وَهُوَ الْعَلِيُّ الْعَظِيمُ
Translation:
“Allah! There is no deity except Him, the Ever-Living, the Sustainer of existence. Neither drowsiness overtakes Him nor sleep. To Him belongs whatever is in the heavens and whatever is on the earth. Who is it that can intercede with Him except by His permission? He knows what is before them and what will be after them, and they encompass not a thing of His knowledge except for what He wills. His Kursi extends over the heavens and the earth, and their preservation tires Him not. And He is the Most High, the Most Great.”
Summary
These nine Surahs are not only popular for their profound meanings and spiritual benefits but also serve as a source of comfort and guidance for Muslims worldwide. Each recitation offers a connection to the divine, reinforcing faith and encouraging reflection on life’s greater purpose. Whether for protection, guidance, or spiritual fulfillment, these Surahs hold a special place in the hearts of many.
