Surah Al-A'raf (The Heights)

Surah Al-A'raf is the seventh chapter of the Quran, a Meccan surah of 206 ayahs and one of the longer Meccan chapters. It continues the themes of belief and warning found in the preceding surah, with a strong narrative dimension. Much of the chapter recounts the stories of earlier prophets and their peoples, presenting a sweeping account of how communities responded to divine messengers. It opens with the account of the creation of humanity and the refusal of Iblis, then traces episodes involving prophets such as Noah, Hud, Salih, Lot, Shu'ayb, and, at length, Moses and his confrontation with Pharaoh. Through these narratives the surah illustrates the consequences of belief and rejection. It takes its name from a passage describing the people of the Heights, positioned between the two final abodes. The surah closes with calls to remembrance of God, humility, and heeding revelation.