Tafsir from Tafsir Ibn Kathir
Surah Al-Alaq is a Makkan surah. It contains the first verses of the Qur’an that were revealed to the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ. These verses were revealed when the angel Jibril came to the Prophet while he was in the cave of Hira. The surah begins by commanding the Prophet to read and reminding mankind that Allah created them and honored them with knowledge. It then warns against the arrogance of man and mentions the story of Abu Jahl trying to stop the Prophet from praying.
The First Revelation (Verses 1–5)
Allah says:
“Read! In the Name of your Lord Who created.
He has created man from a clot.
Read! And your Lord is the Most Generous.
Who has taught by the pen.
He has taught man that which he knew not.”
(Qur’an 96:1–5)
Explanation
Ibn Kathir explains that these verses mention the beginning of the creation of man, who was created from a clot of blood. Allah then reminds mankind of His generosity because He taught people knowledge that they did not know before.
Allah honored mankind through knowledge, and this was one of the distinctions given to Adam over the angels. Knowledge can exist in three forms:
• in the mind
• on the tongue
• in writing
Because of this, Allah mentioned teaching by the pen, which refers to writing knowledge and preserving it.
It is also reported that knowledge should be preserved through writing.
The Arrogance of Man (Verses 6–8)
Allah says:
“Nay! Verily, man does transgress.
Because he considers himself self-sufficient.
Surely, unto your Lord is the return.”
(Qur’an 96:6–8)
Explanation
These verses explain that human beings often become arrogant when they believe they are independent or wealthy. When a person thinks he has no need of others, he may become rebellious and disobedient.
Allah warns that every person will return to Him, and they will be questioned about their wealth and how they used it.
The One Who Prevents Prayer (Verses 9–14)
Allah says:
“Have you seen him who prevents
a servant when he prays?
Have you seen if he is on the guidance
Or enjoins Taqwa?
Have you seen if he denies and turns away?
Knows he not that Allah sees”
(Qur’an 96:9–14)
Explanation
Ibn Kathir explains that these verses were revealed concerning Abu Jahl. He threatened the Prophet ﷺ and attempted to stop him from praying at the Ka‘bah.
Allah rebuked him by asking whether the servant he was trying to stop was upon guidance and calling to righteousness. Despite this, Abu Jahl still opposed him.
Allah reminds that nothing escapes His knowledge. He sees everything that people do and will recompense them accordingly.
The Threat Against Abu Jahl (Verses 15–18)
Allah says:
“Nay! If he ceases not, We will scorch his forehead—
A lying, sinful forehead!
Then let him call upon his council.
We will call out the guards of Hell!”
(Qur’an 96:15–18)
Explanation
Allah threatens that if Abu Jahl continued his hostility, Allah will make his forehead extremely black on the Day of Judgment. The “lying, sinful forelock” refers to the forehead of Abu Jahl because his statements were false and his actions sinful.
Even if he were to call his tribe and supporters for help, Allah would call the angels of punishment, who are the guards of Hell.
A narration mentions that Abu Jahl once said that if he saw the Prophet ﷺ praying at the Ka‘bah, he would step on his neck. When the Prophet heard this, he said that if Abu Jahl had done so, the angels would have seized him.
The Command to the Prophet (Verse 19)
Allah says:
“Nay! Do not obey him.
Fall prostrate and draw near (to Allah)!”
(Qur’an 96:19)
Explanation
Allah commanded the Prophet ﷺ not to obey Abu Jahl and not to stop worshipping. Instead, he was instructed to continue his prayer and prostration.
The Prophet ﷺ said:
“The closest that a servant can be to his Lord is when he is in prostration. Therefore, make abundant supplications (i.e., while prostrating).”
Prostration is therefore an act of worship because it brings a servant closer to Allah, and the servant is closest to his Lord in prostration.
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References
Tafsir Ibn Kathir (Abridged), English translation, Surah al-‘Alaq (96).
Verified on 2026-10-21 against: Tafsir Ibn Kathir (Abridged), Surah al-‘Alaq.