Surah Al-Adiyat (Arabic: العاديات) is the 100th chapter of the Qur'an, composed of 11 verses. It is classified as a Meccan surah, revealed in the early days of Islam when the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ and his followers were facing significant opposition from the Quraysh.
This surah’s central message revolves around human ingratitude, the love of wealth, and the consequences of human actions on the Day of Judgment. Through powerful imagery, Allah reminds humans of the coming Day when all secrets will be exposed, emphasizing accountability for one’s actions.
The surah is named after the word "Al-Adiyat," which translates to "The Chargers" refers to the horses mentioned in the opening verses. These horses are depicted in the heat of battle, charging with immense speed and strength.
Revelation:
The Battle of the Chain (غزوة السلسلة) is a lesser-known expedition during the time of the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ, which took place around the 5th year of the Hijra (migration). Here’s a detailed account:
Background:
During the time of the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ, there were frequent conflicts with various tribes and groups who opposed the new Muslim community. The Battle of the Chain was part of these ongoing skirmishes.
The Incident:
A Bedouin came to the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ with news that a group of Arabs, who were hostile to the Muslims, planned to raid the city of Medina. This news prompted the Prophet ﷺ to take immediate action to defend the city.
The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ asked who would take the banner and lead the Muslim forces against the approaching threat.
- Abu Bakr’s Mission: Abu Bakr as-Siddiq (may Allah be pleased with him) volunteered and was given the banner. He led a group of seven hundred men but, upon reaching the enemy, found that they were heavily outnumbered. The enemy force told him to return to his leader because they were in large numbers. Consequently, Abu Bakr returned to Medina.
- Omar’s Mission: The following day, the Prophet ﷺ asked again who would take the banner. Omar ibn al-Khattab (may Allah be pleased with him) volunteered and was also given the banner. He went out with his troops but faced a similar situation where the enemy was numerous. He too had to return.
- Ali’s Mission: On the third day, the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ asked, "Where is Ali?" Ali ibn Abi Talib (peace be upon him) stepped forward and was given the banner.
Tactical Advantage:
Ali (peace be upon him) directed the Muslim army towards the enemy, but he took an unfamiliar route, intending to conceal his strategy. The troops accompanying him even thought he was heading towards Iraq.
He used secrecy and discretion as military tactics and moved his troops by night, hiding and resting during the day, until he approached the enemy’s territory without alerting them to the presence of the Muslim army.
Before reaching the crucial strategic point, which was the entrance to the valley, Ali (peace be upon him) ordered the army to descend and rest to regain their strength and prepare for a surprise attack. To ensure that the enemy would not hear the horses’ neighing, he instructed them to muzzle the horses.
At dawn, Ali (peace be upon him) led the Muslims in the morning prayer and then ascended the mountain with them until they reached the summit. He then rapidly descended into the valley where the "Banu Suleim" tribe resided. The Muslims surrounded them while they were asleep, so they only woke up to find themselves surrounded. They captured a group of them, while others fled.
This severely terrified the enemy, causing them to lose their balance and ability to resist. They fled from the battle, leaving behind plenty of spoils and captives that were seized by the Muslims. Thus, the victory was completed, and the Muslim army, led by Ali (peace be upon him), returned to Medina triumphant and victorious.
Allah's ﷻ Praise:
When the Surah was revealed, the Messenger of Allah ﷺ recited Surah Al Adiyat in the Fajr prayer. When he finished his prayer, his companions said, 'This is a Surah we did not recognize.' The Prophet ﷺ replied, 'Yes! Ali has defeated the enemies of Allah, and Jibril (Gabriel) informed me of that on this night.'
The Army's Return:
The Messenger of Allah ﷺ was waiting for the return of his cousin from this victorious campaign. As soon as the army approached the city, the Prophet ﷺ went out with a group of his companions to welcome Ali (peace be upon him) and the victorious army.
When the victorious commander’s eyes fell upon the Messenger of Allah ﷺ, he dismounted from his horse immediately out of respect and reverence. The Prophet ﷺ then said to him while patting his shoulder, "Mount, for Allah and His Messenger are pleased with you."
In conclusion, Surah al-‘Adiyat, was revealed as praise of the courage and valor demonstrated by Ali ibn Abi Talib in leading the battle. The surah describes horses that gallop fiercely and charge with determination, metaphorically reflecting the Muslims' bravery and steadfastness in the heat of conflict.
Translation:
- Verse 1: By the galloping, panting horses,
- Verse 2: striking sparks of fire ˹with their hoofs˺,
- Verse 3: Charging to launch raids at dawn,
- Verse 4: Stirring up a cloud of dust,
- Verse 5: and storming into the heart of enemy lines!
- Verse 6: Surely, mankind is ungrateful to his Lord.
- Verse 7: And he himself bears witness to that.
- Verse 8: And indeed, he is passionate in his love for wealth.
- Verse 9: Does he not know, when the contents of the graves are scattered,
- Verse 10: And the secrets (contents) of the hearts are laid bare,
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Verse 11: Surely, their Lord is, on that Day, fully Aware of them.
In Depth:
The Warhorses
Allah ﷻ opens the surah by swearing by the galloping horses that carry warriors into battle. These verses paint an intense scene:
- Verse 1: "By the racers, panting" refers to the horses running at full speed, their heavy breathing audibly displaying their exertion.
- Verse 2: "Striking sparks of fire" illustrates the hooves of the horses colliding with rocks and stones, causing sparks to fly.
- Verse 3: "Charging to the raid at dawn" suggests that the attack happens early in the morning, a strategic time when the enemy might be off-guard.
- Verse 4: "Stirring up a cloud of dust" evokes the powerful image of dust rising due to the rapid charge of the horses.
- Verse 5: "Charging to the heart of the enemy mass" shows the horses and their riders cutting through the ranks of the enemy, fearlessly advancing.
These verses not only emphasize the speed, strength, and purpose of the horses but also set the tone for the human struggle between good and evil. The intensity of the imagery contrasts sharply with the subsequent criticism of human nature.
Human Ingratitude and Love for Wealth- Verse 6: "Surely, mankind is ungrateful to his Lord" shifts from the description of horses to a direct rebuke of human nature. Mankind often forgets or denies Allah’s ﷻ blessings, acting ungratefully.
- Verse 7: "And he himself bears witness to that" highlights that humans are aware of their own shortcomings, even if they do not openly admit it.
- Verse 8: "And indeed, he is passionate in his love for wealth" criticizes humans for their obsession with material wealth. This strong love for wealth often leads to selfishness and neglect of one’s spiritual obligations.
The Day of Judgment and Human Accountability
- Verse 9: "Does he not know, when the contents of the graves are scattered" refers to the Day of Resurrection when all the dead will be brought back to life. This is a reminder of the reality of the afterlife.
- Verse 10: "And the secrets of the hearts are laid bare" indicates that on this day, not only physical actions but also hidden intentions and thoughts will be revealed.
- Verse 11: "Surely, their Lord is, on that Day, fully Aware of them" reinforces Allah’s ﷻ complete knowledge of every person’s action and thought. It is a reminder that nothing escapes His awareness, and justice will be served accordingly.
The Concept of Jihad:
The concept of jihad in Islam is multifaceted and includes both personal and communal dimensions of striving in the way of Allah ﷻ. Derived from the Arabic root "jahada," meaning "to strive" or "to struggle," jihad represents the ongoing effort to live a life aligned with the principles of Islam. While often misunderstood or misrepresented, jihad is far more comprehensive than the common association with military conflict.
1. Greater Jihad (Jihad al-Nafs): The Inner Struggle
The greater jihad, also known as jihad al-nafs (the struggle against the self), is the internal battle against one's own desires, temptations, and negative inclinations. This is considered the most significant and constant form of jihad. It involves striving for spiritual growth, personal morality, and self-discipline. Muslims are encouraged to fight their own ego, purify their hearts, and develop virtues such as patience, humility, and honesty. In this sense, jihad can be seen as a lifelong journey of self-improvement, helping individuals to grow closer to Allah ﷻ and live in accordance with His teachings.
This inner jihad is often described as the battle to maintain faith in the face of personal hardships, societal pressures, or distractions from a materialistic world. It is a call to constantly reflect on one's own actions, seek forgiveness, and cultivate a deep connection with Allah ﷻ through prayer, fasting, charity, and good deeds.
The way we could simply put it is the phrase "being the best version of yourself". It is worth noting the wisdom behind the choice of the term "greater jihad". When having to stand up to someone that is an adversary, it is clear to oneself who or what they're battling against, however, the inner struggle of striving to be of a moral character is harder as it is much easier to delude your own conscience into believing you're in the right.
2. Lesser Jihad (Jihad bil-Sayf): The Struggle for Justice
The lesser jihad, or jihad bil-sayf (the struggle with the sword), is more external and may involve defending the Muslim community or standing up against injustice and oppression. This form of jihad can include military action, and is governed by a set of moral and ethical rules:
- Intentions must be pure: The purpose of lesser jihad must be to defend or restore peace and justice, not for personal gain or revenge.
- Protect non-combatants: Islam prohibits harm to civilians, children, women, the elderly, and even animals and nature during warfare.
- Last resort: Violence is only permissible as a last resort, after all diplomatic and peaceful solutions have been exhausted.
The aim of such a struggle is not only to protect the Muslim community but to establish justice and fairness.
3. Jihad through Knowledge and Social Change
Jihad also encompasses intellectual and societal efforts. Muslims are encouraged to engage in jihad through knowledge (jihad bil-'ilm), by seeking education and using their talents for the betterment of society. This includes spreading knowledge, promoting justice, supporting the poor, and working toward positive social change.
In this sense, teachers, scholars, activists, and those working to alleviate poverty are all engaged in a form of jihad. Striving for educational excellence, addressing social inequities, and improving the welfare of the community are viewed as essential components of a just and ethical life.
4. Jihad and Peace
Despite the occasional association of jihad with conflict, Islam inherently promotes peace. The lesser jihad is not an endorsement of violence but a mechanism to restore peace and justice where they have been disrupted. In fact, the Qur'an emphasizes peace as the ultimate goal: "But if they incline toward peace, then you should also incline toward it and trust in Allah" (Qur'an 8:61). The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ himself is noted for his emphasis on peaceful resolution, diplomacy, and compassion even in the face of hostility.
Surah Al Adiyat and Jihad:
Surah al-‘Adiyat uses vivid imagery of horses charging into battle to symbolize the intensity and determination required in various forms of jihad. The surah reflects the external struggle, or lesser jihad, where warriors defend justice and faith with courage and commitment. At the same time, it can be seen as a metaphor for the greater jihad, the inner struggle against selfish desires and weaknesses, as it calls for relentless effort and focus. The horses' swift and powerful movement also represents the urgency of acting in the pursuit of good, whether in self-improvement, social justice, or striving for knowledge, highlighting how all forms of jihad demand dedication and sincerity.
The surah also speaks about the Hereafter to remind believers of the ultimate accountability for their actions and intentions. The surah ends by emphasizing that on the Day of Judgment, everything hidden in the hearts will be revealed, and people will be rewarded or punished based on their deeds. This highlights the importance of sincerity in all forms of jihad—whether personal or external—because striving in the way of Allah ﷻ is not just about outward actions, but about the inner purity of one's intentions. The connection to the Hereafter motivates believers to struggle not for worldly gain, but for divine reward, knowing that every effort made for justice, self-improvement, or helping others will be accounted for and judged in the afterlife.
Similarities to Surah Al Zalzalah:
The last three verses of Surah al-Zalzalah and Surah Al Adiyat share several similarities:
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Focus on Human Deeds: Both sets of verses emphasize the revelation and judgment of human actions. In Surah al-Zalzalah, the last verses describe how the earth reveals what people have done, and people are shown their deeds. Similarly, in Surah al-‘Adiyat, the last verses address the reality of human actions and their underlying motives, emphasizing that Allah ﷻ is fully aware of them.
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Divine Awareness and Judgment: Both surahs highlight the concept of divine oversight. Surah al-Zalzalah's final verses emphasize that every deed, good or bad, will be revealed and judged. Surah al-‘Adiyat’s concluding verses reflect that Allah ﷻ knows the hidden motives behind human actions, implying divine judgment.
- Revelation of Truth: Both surahs conclude by underscoring the revelation of the truth about human behavior. In Surah al-Zalzalah, this truth is the visibility of deeds on Judgment Day. In Surah al-‘Adiyat, the truth about the nature of human actions and their motivations is made clear, with a focus on Allah's ﷻ knowledge.
These similarities reinforce the overarching themes of divine judgment and the exposure of human actions and intentions in both surahs.
Merits:
The Messenger of Allah ﷺ said: "Whoever recites Surah Al-Adiyat will be given a reward of ten good deeds equal to the number of those who stayed in Muzdalifah and witnessed the gathering."
Al Muzdalifah is an open and level area near Mecca in the Hejazi region of Saudi Arabia. It is an important site during the Hajj pilgrimage. Located between Mina and Mount Arafat, pilgrims spend the night of the 9th of Dhul Hijjah here under the open sky.
During their stay, pilgrims perform the Maghrib and Isha prayers together and collect pebbles for the ritual of stoning the devil at Mina. The area is also known as "Al-Mashar Al-Haram", meaning "the sacred monument".
Translation and Pronunciation:
In the video below is a recitation that includes pronunciation and English translation. Kindly do not forget to leave a Like and subscribe to their channel.
