Surah Al-A'la (The Most High)

Al-A'la means "The Most High" — a name of God, drawn from the surah's opening call to glorify the Lord, the Most High.

Al-A'la is the 87th chapter of the Quran, a Meccan surah of 19 ayat. Its name comes from its opening command to glorify the name of the Lord, the Most High. The surah celebrates God as the One who creates and perfects, who measures out and guides, and who brings forth and sustains life. It reassures the Prophet that he will be enabled to receive and retain the revelation, and that the path will be made easy. The chapter teaches that reminder benefits those who are receptive and fear their Lord, while the heedless turn away, and it affirms the success of the one who purifies the soul, remembers God, and prays. It contrasts the fleeting preference many give to worldly life with the Hereafter, which is better and enduring, and notes that this teaching appears in the earlier scriptures associated with Abraham and Moses. Its subject matter is glorification of God, guidance, and purification of the soul.

Surah number: 87
Revelation: Meccan
Ayahs: 19
Arabic: الأعلى

Read Surah Al-A'la online — full Arabic text with the Pickthall English translation.

Main themes

Glorification of God, the Most High
Divine creation, proportioning, and guidance
Preservation and easing of the revelation
Benefit of reminder for the God-conscious
Purification of the soul, remembrance, and prayer
The lasting Hereafter over the fleeting world
Continuity with earlier scriptures of Abraham and Moses

Why this surah matters

Al-A'la is a beloved short chapter noted for its uplifting tone and its emphasis on self-purification and remembrance of God. It is well known that the Prophet is traditionally reported to have recited it frequently, and many Muslims associate it with the Friday and Eid prayers and with the witr prayer. Its concise summary of creation, guidance, and the enduring worth of the Hereafter makes it a widely memorized and often-recited surah.

Frequently asked questions

Why is Surah Al-A'la associated with certain prayers?

It is traditionally reported that the Prophet often recited it, and many Muslims associate it with the Friday and Eid prayers and the witr prayer. This is a well-known tradition rather than a strict obligation, and practice varies.

What does Al-A'la teach about success?

It affirms that the one who purifies the soul, remembers the Lord, and prays succeeds, while contrasting the fleeting preference for worldly life with the Hereafter, described as better and lasting.

Does the surah mention earlier scriptures?

Yes. It notes that its core teaching is found in the earlier scriptures, referring to those associated with Abraham and Moses, underscoring the continuity of the divine message.

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