Tafsir from Tafsir Ibn Kathir
Surah Al-Fajr is a Makkan surah. In it Allah swears by several signs of time and creation, then reminds people of the destruction of earlier nations who were arrogant and rebellious. The surah also explains that wealth and poverty are both tests from Allah, and it ends with a description of the Day of Judgment and the reward of the righteous.
The Oaths of Allah (Verses 1–5)
Allah says:
“By the dawn.
And by the ten nights.
And by the even and the odd.
And by the night when it departs.
Is there (not) in them sufficient proofs for men of understanding!
(Qur’an 89:1–5)
Explanation
Ibn Kathir explains that Al-Fajr refers to the morning. This was the explanation given by scholars such as Ali, Ibn Abbas, Ikrimah, Mujahid, and As-Suddi.
The ten nights refer to the first ten days of Dhul-Hijjah, which are among the greatest days of worship. Ibn Abbas reported that the Prophet said:
“There are no days in which righteous deeds are more beloved to Allah than these days.”
meaning the ten days of Dhul-Hijjah.
The phrase ”the night when it departs” refers to the night as it moves away and passes.
Allah ends this section by saying that these oaths are signs for people who possess understanding and sound intellect, meaning those who reflect on the signs of Allah.
The Destruction of the People of ‘Ad (Verses 6–8)
Allah says:
Saw you not how your Lord dealt with ‘Ad
Iram of the pillars
the like of which were not created in the land?”
(Qur’an 89:6–8)
Explanation
The people of ‘Ad were a powerful nation who rejected the message of the Prophet Hud. Because of their arrogance and disobedience, Allah destroyed them with a furious wind.
They were known for their great strength and large physical stature. Their buildings were supported by strong pillars, which is why the Qur’an refers to them as “Iram of the pillars.”
Allah mentioned their destruction in several places in the Qur’an so that people would take a lesson from what happened to them.
Thamud and Fir‘awn (Verses 9–14)
Allah says:
And Thamud, who hewed out rocks in the valley
And Fir’awn with Al-Awtad
Who did transgress beyond bounds in the lands.
And made therein much mischief.
So, your Lord poured on them different kinds of severe torment.
Verily, your Lord is Ever Watchful.
(Qur’an 89:9–14)
Explanation
The people of Thamud were known for carving houses out of mountains and rocks.
Fir‘awn is described as “the possessor of the stakes.” Ibn Kathir mentions that this may refer to the way he punished people by fastening them to stakes or pegs, or it may refer to the strength of his armies.
These nations became arrogant and spread corruption throughout the land. Because of their rebellion against Allah and their rejection of His messengers, Allah destroyed them.
The verse ends with the reminder:
“Indeed, your Lord is Ever Watchful.”
meaning Allah sees and hears everything people do and will judge them accordingly.
Wealth and Poverty Are Tests (Verses 15–20)
Allah says:
As for man, when his Lord tries him by giving him honor and bounties, then he says: ‘My Lord has honored me.’
But when He tries him by straitening his means of life, he says: ‘My Lord has humiliated me!’
(Qur’an 89:15–16)
Explanation
Ibn Kathir explains that people often misunderstand these situations. When they receive wealth, they think it means Allah honors them. When they face poverty, they think it means Allah humiliates them.
But this is not correct. Both wealth and poverty are tests from Allah.
Allah gives wealth to both those He loves and those He does not love, and He may restrict provision from both as well. The important matter is how a person responds.
If a person is wealthy, he should be grateful.
If he is poor, he should show patience.
The verses then mention several wrong behaviors:
• Not honoring the orphan
• Not encouraging the feeding of the poor
• Consuming inheritance greedily
• Loving wealth excessively
The Day of Judgment (Verses 21–26)
Allah says:
Nay! When the earth is flattened, Dakkan Dakka.
and your Lord comes with the angels in rows,
And Hell will be brought near that Day.
(Qur’an 89:21–23)
Explanation
Ibn Kathir explains that on that Day the earth will be flattened and the creatures will rise from their graves to stand before Allah.
Hell will be brought forward. The Prophet said:
Hell will be brought on near that Day and it will have seventy thousand leashes, and each leash will have seventy thousand angels pulling it.
On that Day people will remember their deeds, but this remembrance will not benefit them anymore.
They will say:
Alas! Would that I had sent forth for my life!
meaning that if he was a disobedient person, he will be sorry for the acts of disobedience he committed; if he was an obedient person, he will wish he had performed more acts of obedience.
The Tranquil Soul (Verses 27–30)
Allah says:
“O tranquil soul,
Come back to your Lord, — well-pleased and well-pleasing.
Enter then among My servants,
and enter My Paradise.”
(Qur’an 89:27–30)
Explanation
These verses refer to the believing soul that was firm upon faith and obedience.
It will be told to return to Allah pleased with Him and accepted by Him.
This promise applies to the believer at the time of death and on the Day of Judgment, when he will be welcomed among the righteous servants and admitted into Paradise.
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References
Tafsir Ibn Kathir (Abridged), English translation, Surah Al-Fajr (89).
Verified on 2026-10-21 against: Tafsir Ibn Kathir (Abridged), Surah Al-Fajr.