Surah Rahman with English Translation

Surah Ar-Rahman, the 55th chapter of the Quran, is a profound meditation on divine mercy and gratitude. Named after one of Allah’s most beautiful attributes—Ar-Rahman (The Most Merciful)—this Meccan surah captivates readers with its rhythmic cadence and timeless message. Addressed to both humanity and jinn.

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Surah Rahman PDF
DetailInformation
Surah NameAr-Rahman (الرحمن)
Chapter Number55
Number of Verses78
Place of RevelationMecca
Juz (Para) Number27
Key ThemesDivine Mercy, Blessings of Creation, Accountability, Balance in Nature, Paradise vs Hell
Words~1,300 (varies slightly by script/style)
Letters~5,000 (varies by script)
Rukus3 (standard division)
Unique FeatureRepeated refrain: “Fa-bi-ayyi ālā’i rabbikumā tukadhdhibān” (31 times)
Primary AudienceHumans and Jinn (explicitly addressed together)

English Translation of Surah Rahman

Ar Rahmaan
ٱلرَّحْمَـٰنُ ١
The Most Beneficent (Allah)!
‘Allamal Quran
عَلَّمَ ٱلْقُرْءَانَ ٢
Has taught (you mankind) the Qur’an (by His Mercy).
Khalaqal insaan
خَلَقَ ٱلْإِنسَـٰنَ ٣
He created man.
‘Allamahul bayaan
عَلَّمَهُ ٱلْبَيَانَ ٤
He taught him eloquent speech.
Ashshamsu walqamaru bihusbaan
ٱلشَّمْسُ وَٱلْقَمَرُ بِحُسْبَانٍۢ ٥
The sun and the moon run on their fixed courses (exactly) calculated with measured out stages for each.
Wannajmu washshajaru yasjudan
وَٱلنَّجْمُ وَٱلشَّجَرُ يَسْجُدَانِ ٦
And the herbs (or stars) and the trees both prostrate.
Wassamaaa’a rafa’ahaa wa wada’al Meezan
وَٱلسَّمَآءَ رَفَعَهَا وَوَضَعَ ٱلْمِيزَانَ ٧
And the heaven He has raised high, and He has set up the Balance.
Allaa tatghaw fil meezaan
أَلَّا تَطْغَوْا۟ فِى ٱلْمِيزَانِ ٨
In order that you may not transgress (due) balance.
Wa aqeemul wazna bilqisti wa laa tukhsirul meezaan
وَأَقِيمُوا۟ ٱلْوَزْنَ بِٱلْقِسْطِ وَلَا تُخْسِرُوا۟ ٱلْمِيزَانَ ٩
And observe the weight with equity and do not make the balance deficient.
Wal arda wada’ahaa lilanaam
وَٱلْأَرْضَ وَضَعَهَا لِلْأَنَامِ ١٠
And the earth He has put for the creatures.
Feehaa faakihatunw wan nakhlu zaatul akmaam
فِيهَا فَـٰكِهَةٌۭ وَٱلنَّخْلُ ذَاتُ ٱلْأَكْمَامِ ١١
Therein are fruits, date-palms producing sheathed fruit-stalks (enclosing dates).
Walhabbu zul ‘asfi war Raihaan
وَٱلْحَبُّ ذُو ٱلْعَصْفِ وَٱلرَّيْحَانُ ١٢
And also corn, with (its) leaves and stalk for fodder, and sweet-scented plants.
Fabi ayyi aalaaa’i Rabbikumaa tukazzibaan
فَبِأَىِّ ءَالَآءِ رَبِّكُمَا تُكَذِّبَانِ ١٣
Then which of the Blessings of your Lord will you both (jinns and men) deny?
Khalaqal insaana min salsaalin kalfakhkhaar
خَلَقَ ٱلْإِنسَـٰنَ مِن صَلْصَـٰلٍۢ كَٱلْفَخَّارِ ١٤
He created man (Adam) from sounding clay like the clay of pottery.
Wa khalaqal jaaan mim maarijim min naar
وَخَلَقَ ٱلْجَآنَّ مِن مَّارِجٍۢ مِّن نَّارٍۢ ١٥
And the jinns did He create from a smokeless flame of fire.
Fabi ayyi aalaaa’i Rabbikumaa tukazzibaan
فَبِأَىِّ ءَالَآءِ رَبِّكُمَا تُكَذِّبَانِ ١٦
Then which of the Blessings of your Lord will you both (jinns and men) deny?
Rabbul mashriqayni wa Rabbul maghribayn
رَبُّ ٱلْمَشْرِقَيْنِ وَرَبُّ ٱلْمَغْرِبَيْنِ ١٧
(He is) the Lord of the two easts and the Lord of the two wests.
Fabi ayyi aalaaa’i Rabbikumaa tukazzibaan
فَبِأَىِّ ءَالَآءِ رَبِّكُمَا تُكَذِّبَانِ ١٨
Then which of the Blessings of your Lord will you both (jinns and men) deny?
Marajal bahrayni yalta qiyaan
مَرَجَ ٱلْبَحْرَيْنِ يَلْتَقِيَانِ ١٩
He has let loosed the two seas (the salt water and the sweet) meeting together.
Bainahumaa barzakhul laa yabghiyaan
بَيْنَهُمَا بَرْزَخٌۭ لَّا يَبْغِيَانِ ٢٠
Between them is a barrier which none of them can transgress.
Fabi ayyi aalaaa’i Rabbikumaa tukazzibaan
فَبِأَىِّ ءَالَآءِ رَبِّكُمَا تُكَذِّبَانِ ٢١
Then which of the Blessings of your Lord will you both deny?
Yakhruju minhumal lu ‘lu u wal marjaan
يَخْرُجُ مِنْهُمَا ٱللُّؤْلُؤُ وَٱلْمَرْجَانُ ٢٢
Out of them both come out pearl and coral.
Fabi ayyi aalaaa’i Rabbikumaa tukazzibaan
فَبِأَىِّ ءَالَآءِ رَبِّكُمَا تُكَذِّبَانِ ٢٣
Then which of the Blessings of your Lord will you both deny?
Wa lahul jawaaril mun sha’aatu fil bahri kal a’laam
وَلَهُ ٱلْجَوَارِ ٱلْمُنشَـَٔاتُ فِى ٱلْبَحْرِ كَٱلْأَعْلَـٰمِ ٢٤
And His are the ships sailing in the seas like mountains.
Fabi ayyi aalaaa’i Rabbikumaa tukazzibaan
فَبِأَىِّ ءَالَآءِ رَبِّكُمَا تُكَذِّبَانِ ٢٥
Then which of the Blessings of your Lord will you both deny?
Kullu man ‘alaihaa faan
كُلُّ مَنْ عَلَيْهَا فَانٍۢ ٢٦
Whatsoever is on it (the earth) will perish.
Wa yabqaa wajhu rabbika zul jalaali wal ikraam
وَيَبْقَىٰ وَجْهُ رَبِّكَ ذُو ٱلْجَلَـٰلِ وَٱلْإِكْرَامِ ٢٧
And the Face of your Lord full of Majesty and Honour will abide forever.
Fabi ayyi aalaaa’i Rabbikumaa tukazzibaan
فَبِأَىِّ ءَالَآءِ رَبِّكُمَا تُكَذِّبَانِ ٢٨
Then which of the Blessings of your Lord will you both deny?
Yas’aluhoo man fissamaawaati walard; kulla yawmin huwa fee shaan
يَسْـَٔلُهُۥ مَن فِى ٱلسَّمَـٰوَٰتِ وَٱلْأَرْضِ ۚ كُلَّ يَوْمٍ هُوَ فِى شَأْنٍۢ ٢٩
All in the heavens and earth ask of Him; every day He is engaged in some matter.
Fabi ayyi aalaaa’i Rabbikumaa tukazzibaan
فَبِأَىِّ ءَالَآءِ رَبِّكُمَا تُكَذِّبَانِ ٣٠
Then which of the Blessings of your Lord will you both deny?
Sanafrughu lakum ayyuhas saqalaan
سَنَفْرُغُ لَكُمْ أَيُّهَ ٱلثَّقَلَانِ ٣١
We shall attend to you, O you two classes (jinns and men)!
Fabi ayyi aalaaa’i Rabbikumaa tukazzibaan
فَبِأَىِّ ءَالَآءِ رَبِّكُمَا تُكَذِّبَانِ ٣٢
Then which of the Blessings of your Lord will you both deny?
Yaa ma’sharal jinni wal insi inis tata’tum an tanfuzoo min aqtaaris samaawaati wal ardi fanfuzoo; laa tanfuzoona illaa bisultaan
يَـٰمَعْشَرَ ٱلْجِنِّ وَٱلْإِنسِ إِنِ ٱسْتَطَعْتُمْ أَن تَنفُذُوا۟ مِنْ أَقْطَارِ ٱلسَّمَـٰوَٰتِ وَٱلْأَرْضِ فَٱنفُذُوا۟ ۚ لَا تَنفُذُونَ إِلَّا بِسُلْطَـٰنٍۢ ٣٣
O assembly of jinn and men! If you can penetrate beyond the realms of the heavens and earth, then do so. But you cannot penetrate without authority.
Fabi ayyi aalaaa’i Rabbikumaa tukazzibaan
فَبِأَىِّ ءَالَآءِ رَبِّكُمَا تُكَذِّبَانِ ٣٤
Then which of the Blessings of your Lord will you both deny?
Yursalu ‘alaikumaa shuwaazum min naarinw-wa nuhaasun falaa tantasiraan
يُرْسَلُ عَلَيْكُمَا شُوَاظٌۭ مِّن نَّارٍۢ وَنُحَاسٌۭ فَلَا تَنتَصِرَانِ ٣٥
There will be sent against you both flames of fire and smoke, and you will not defend yourselves.
Fabi ayyi aalaaa’i Rabbikumaa tukazzibaan
فَبِأَىِّ ءَالَآءِ رَبِّكُمَا تُكَذِّبَانِ ٣٦
Then which of the Blessings of your Lord will you both deny?
Fa-izan shaqqatis samaaa’u fakaanat wardatan kaddihaan
فَإِذَا ٱنشَقَّتِ ٱلسَّمَآءُ فَكَانَتْ وَرْدَةًۭ كَٱلدِّهَانِ ٣٧
When the heaven is split asunder, and becomes rose-red like ointment.
Fabi ayyi aalaaa’i Rabbikumaa tukazzibaan
فَبِأَىِّ ءَالَآءِ رَبِّكُمَا تُكَذِّبَانِ ٣٨
Then which of the Blessings of your Lord will you both deny?
Fa-yawma’izil laa yus’alu ‘an zambiheee insunw wa laa jaann
فَيَوْمَئِذٍۢ لَّا يُسْـَٔلُ عَن ذَنۢبِهِۦٓ إِنسٌۭ وَلَا جَآنٌّۭ ٣٩
On that Day no human or jinn will be asked about his sin.
Fabi ayyi aalaaa’i Rabbikumaa tukazzibaan
فَبِأَىِّ ءَالَآءِ رَبِّكُمَا تُكَذِّبَانِ ٤٠
Then which of the Blessings of your Lord will you both deny?
Yu’raful mujrimoona biseemaahum fa’yu’khazu binna waasi wal aqdaam
يُعْرَفُ ٱلْمُجْرِمُونَ بِسِيمَـٰهُمْ فَيُؤْخَذُ بِٱلنَّوَٰصِى وَٱلْأَقْدَامِ ٤١
The criminals will be known by their marks, and seized by their forelocks and feet.
Fabi ayyi aalaaa’i Rabbikumaa tukazzibaan
فَبِأَىِّ ءَالَآءِ رَبِّكُمَا تُكَذِّبَانِ ٤٢
Then which of the Blessings of your Lord will you both deny?
Haazihee jahannamul latee yukazzibu bihal mujrimoon
هَـٰذِهِۦ جَهَنَّمُ ٱلَّتِى يُكَذِّبُ بِهَا ٱلْمُجْرِمُونَ ٤٣
This is Hell which the criminals denied.
Yatoofoona bainahaa wa baina hameemim aan
يَطُوفُونَ بَيْنَهَا وَبَيْنَ حَمِيمٍ ءَانٍۢ ٤٤
They will go between it and boiling hot water.
Fabi ayyi aalaaa’i Rabbikumaa tukazzibaan
فَبِأَىِّ ءَالَآءِ رَبِّكُمَا تُكَذِّبَانِ ٤٥
Then which of the Blessings of your Lord will you both deny?
Wa liman khaafa maqaama rabbihee jannataan
وَلِمَنْ خَافَ مَقَامَ رَبِّهِۦ جَنَّتَانِ ٤٦
But for him who fears standing before his Lord, there are two Gardens.
Fabi ayyi aalaaa’i Rabbikumaa tukazzibaan
فَبِأَىِّ ءَالَآءِ رَبِّكُمَا تُكَذِّبَانِ ٤٧
Then which of the Blessings of your Lord will you both deny?
Zawaataaa afnaan
ذَوَاتَآ أَفْنَانٍۢ ٤٨
With spreading branches.
Fabi ayyi aalaaa’i Rabbikumaa tukazzibaan
فَبِأَىِّ ءَالَآءِ رَبِّكُمَا تُكَذِّبَانِ ٤٩
Then which of the Blessings of your Lord will you both deny?
Feehimaa ‘aynaani tajriyaan
فِيهِمَا عَيْنَانِ تَجْرِيَانِ ٥٠
In them both will be two springs flowing.
Fabi ayyi aalaaa’i Rabbikumaa tukazzibaan
فَبِأَىِّ ءَالَآءِ رَبِّكُمَا تُكَذِّبَانِ ٥١
Then which of the Blessings of your Lord will you both deny?
Feehimaa min kulli faakihatin zawjaan
فِيهِمَا مِن كُلِّ فَـٰكِهَةٍۢ زَوْجَانِ ٥٢
In them both will be every kind of fruit in pairs.
Fabi ayyi aalaaa’i Rabbikumaa tukazzibaan
فِبِأَىِّ ءَالَآءِ رَبِّكُمَا تُكَذِّبَانِ ٥٣
Then which of the Blessings of your Lord will you both deny?
Muttaki’eena ‘alaa furushim bataaa’inuhaa min istabraq; wajanal jannataini daan
مُتَّكِـِٔينَ عَلَىٰ فُرُشٍۭ بَطَآئِنُهَا مِنْ إِسْتَبْرَقٍۢ ۚ وَجَنَى ٱلْجَنَّتَيْنِ دَانٍۢ ٥٤
Reclining on couches lined with silk brocade, fruits of both Gardens within reach.
Fabi ayyi aalaaa’i Rabbikumaa tukazzibaan
فَبِأَىِّ ءَالَآءِ رَبِّكُمَا تُكَذِّبَانِ ٥٥
Then which of the Blessings of your Lord will you both deny?
Feehinna qaasiratut tarfi lam yatmishhunna insun qablahum wa laa jaaann
فِيهِنَّ قَـٰصِرَٰتُ ٱلطَّرْفِ لَمْ يَطْمِثْهُنَّ إِنسٌۭ قَبْلَهُمْ وَلَا جَآنٌّۭ ٥٦
Therein are maidens restraining glances, untouched before by man or jinn.
Fabi ayyi aalaaa’i Rabbikumaa tukazzibaan
فَبِأَىِّ ءَالَآءِ رَبِّكُمَا تُكَذِّبَانِ ٥٧
Then which of the Blessings of your Lord will you both deny?
Ka annahunnal yaaqootu wal marjaan
كَأَنَّهُنَّ ٱلْيَاقُوتُ وَٱلْمَرْجَانُ ٥٨
As if they were rubies and coral.
Fabi ayyi aalaaa’i Rabbikumaa tukazzibaan
فَبِأَىِّ ءَالَآءِ رَبِّكُمَا تُكَذِّبَانِ ٥٩
Then which of the Blessings of your Lord will you both deny?
Hal jazaaa’ul ihsaani illal ihsaan
هَلْ جَزَآءُ ٱلْإِحْسَـٰنِ إِلَّا ٱلْإِحْسَـٰنُ ٦٠
Is the reward for good anything but good?
Fabi ayyi aalaaa’i Rabbikumaa tukazzibaan
فَبِأَىِّ ءَالَآءِ رَبِّكُمَا تُكَذِّبَانِ ٦١
Then which of the Blessings of your Lord will you both deny?
Wa min doonihimaa jannataan
وَمِن دُونِهِمَا جَنَّتَانِ ٦٢
And below them both [in excellence] are two other Gardens.
Fabi ayyi aalaaa’i Rabbikumaa tukazzibaan
فَبِأَىِّ ءَالَآءِ رَبِّكُمَا تُكَذِّبَانِ ٦٣
Then which of the Blessings of your Lord will you both deny?
Mudhaaammataan
مُدْهَآمَّتَانِ ٦٤
Dark green [in color].
Fabi ayyi aalaaa’i Rabbikumaa tukazzibaan
فَبِأَىِّ ءَالَآءِ رَبِّكُمَا تُكَذِّبَانِ ٦٥
Then which of the Blessings of your Lord will you both deny?
Feehimaa ‘aynaani naddaakhataan
فِيهِمَا عَيْنَانِ نَضَّاخَتَانِ ٦٦
In both are two springs gushing forth.
Fabi ayyi aalaaa’i Rabbikumaa tukazzibaan
فَبِأَىِّ ءَالَآءِ رَبِّكُمَا تُكَذِّبَانِ ٦٧
Then which of the Blessings of your Lord will you both deny?
Feehimaa faakihatunw wa nakhlunw wa rummaan
فِيهِمَا فَـٰكِهَةٌۭ وَنَخْلٌۭ وَرُمَّانٌۭ ٦٨
In both are fruits, palm trees, and pomegranates.
Fabi ayyi aalaaa’i Rabbikumaa tukazzibaan
فَبِأَىِّ ءَالَآءِ رَبِّكُمَا تُكَذِّبَانِ ٦٩
Then which of the Blessings of your Lord will you both deny?
Feehinna khairaatun hisaan
فِيهِنَّ خَيْرَٰتٌ حِسَانٌۭ ٧٠
Therein are good and beautiful companions.
Fabi ayyi aalaaa’i Rabbikumaa tukazzibaan
فَبِأَىِّ ءَالَآءِ رَبِّكُمَا تُكَذِّبَانِ ٧١
Then which of the Blessings of your Lord will you both deny?
Hoorum maqsooraatun fil khiyaam
حُورٌۭ مَّقْصُورَٰتٌۭ فِى ٱلْخِيَامِ ٧٢
Fair ones confined in pavilions.
Fabi ayyi aalaaa’i Rabbikumaa tukazzibaan
فَبِأَىِّ ءَالَآءِ رَبِّكُمَا تُكَذِّبَانِ ٧٣
Then which of the Blessings of your Lord will you both deny?
Lam yatmish hunna insun qablahum wa laa jaaann
لَمْ يَطْمِثْهُنَّ إِنسٌۭ قَبْلَهُمْ وَلَا جَآنٌّۭ ٧٤
Untouched before them by man or jinn.
Fabi ayyi aalaaa’i Rabbikumaa tukazzibaan
فَبِأَىِّ ءَالَآءِ رَبِّكُمَا تُكَذِّبَانِ ٧٥
Then which of the Blessings of your Lord will you both deny?
Muttaki’eena ‘alaa rafrafin khudrinw wa ‘abqariyyin hisaan
مُتَّكِـِٔينَ عَلَىٰ رَفْرَفٍ خُضْرٍۢ وَعَبْقَرِىٍّ حِسَانٍۢ ٧٦
Reclining on green cushions and beautiful fine carpets.
Fabi ayyi aalaaa’i Rabbikumaa tukazzibaan
فَبِأَىِّ ءَالَآءِ رَبِّكُمَا تُكَذِّبَانِ ٧٧
Then which of the Blessings of your Lord will you both deny?
Tabaarakasmu Rabbika Zil-Jalaali wal-Ikraam
تَبَـٰرَكَ ٱسْمُ رَبِّكَ ذِى ٱلْجَلَـٰلِ وَٱلْإِكْرَامِ ٧٨
Blessed is the Name of your Lord, Owner of Majesty and Honor.

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Background and Context

  • Revelation: A Meccan surah (revealed in Mecca before the Prophet’s migration to Medina).
  • Occasion: Meant to remind humanity and jinn of their Creator and accountability.
  • Structure:
    • Unique refrain (“Fa bi-ayyi ala’i rabbikuma tukadhiban”) repeated 31 times – a rhetorical question meaning, “Which of the favors of your Lord will you deny?”
    • Addressed to both humans and jinn (verse 1: “al-insan wal-jinn”), a rare dual address in the Quran.

Major Themes

  1. Allah’s Creation:
    • Celestial bodies (sun, moon, stars – verses 5-6).
    • Nature (plants, oceans – verses 10-12, 19-20).
    • Humanity and jinn (verse 15: creation of jinn from “smokeless fire”).
  2. Divine Blessings:
    • Physical: Resources like fruits, grains (verse 11), ships (verse 24).
    • Spiritual: Revelation and guidance (verse 1-2).
    • Eternal: Paradise (verses 46-78).
  3. Accountability:
    • All beings will be judged (verse 31: “We shall call you to account”).
    • Hellfire for deniers (verses 43-45).
  4. Paradise vs. Hell:
    • Paradise: Described with gardens, flowing rivers, and righteous companions (verses 46-78).
    • Hell: A place of punishment for those who reject truth (verses 35-41).

Key Verses & Deeper Meaning

Verse 55:13: “Which of the favors of your Lord will you deny?”

Purpose: Repeated to provoke gratitude and self-reflection.

Verse 55:26: “All that is on earth will perish.”

Meaning: Transience of worldly life vs. Allah’s eternal nature.

Verse 55:60: “Is the reward for goodness anything but goodness?”

Lesson: Emphasizes divine justice – deeds directly impact afterlife rewards.

Benefits of Surah Rahman

Reciting, reflecting on, or memorizing Surah Rahman holds immense spiritual and practical benefits in Islamic tradition:

Reminder of Blessings:

  • Its verses systematically list Allah’s favors (e.g., creation, sustenance, guidance), fostering gratitude (shukr) and combating heedlessness.
Urdu Translation of Surah Rahman

Spiritual Healing:

  • The Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) emphasized the Quran as a cure (Quran 17:82). Surah Rahman’s themes of mercy and hope are often recited for emotional solace and protection from despair.

Strengthens Faith (Iman):

  • Descriptions of paradise (gardens, rivers, rewards) and warnings of hellfire deepen awareness of the Hereafter, motivating righteous actions.

Eases Reflection (Tadabbur):

  • The repetitive refrain and vivid imagery make it ideal for contemplation, helping believers connect with Allah’s signs in nature and their own lives.

Enhances Worship:

  • Many Muslims recite it in prayers, especially in Tahajjud (night prayers) or during Fridays, as recommended by scholars for its spiritual intensity.

Memorization Aid:

  • Its rhythmic structure and repetition make it one of the easiest surahs to memorize, even for non-Arabic speakers.

Intercession on Judgment Day:

  • A Hadith states, “Recite the Quran, for it will come as an intercessor for its reciters on the Day of Resurrection” (Muslim 804). Surah Rahman’s focus on divine mercy may amplify this intercession.

Cultural Significance:

  • Often recited at weddings, funerals, and gatherings to invoke blessings and unity among listeners.

Challenges in Translation

  • Arabic Nuances:
    • “Rahman”: More than “merciful” – signifies vast, all-encompassing mercy.
    • The refrain’s rhythm and rhetorical force are hard to replicate in English.
  • Dual Address: The Arabic suffix “-kuma” (you both) refers to humans and jinn, often lost in translation.
  • Metaphors: E.g., “two Easts and two Wests” (v. 17) refers to sunrise/sunset variations across seasons.

Reflection & Application

  • Gratitude: Recognize blessings (health, sustenance, guidance).
  • Accountability: Prepare for the Hereafter through righteous deeds.
  • Actionable Steps:
    • Recite Surah Rahman daily or weekly.
    • Reflect on its verses during moments of hardship or ingratitude.

Conclusion

Surah Rahman is a powerful reminder of Allah’s mercy, the purpose of life, and the certainty of the Hereafter.

Its refrain challenges readers to acknowledge blessings and live with purpose.