Living Quran

Surah Al-Buruj (The Mansions of the Stars)

Al-Buruj means "The Great Stars" or "The Constellations" — the large stars or star-mansions mentioned in the surah's opening oath.

Al-Buruj is the 85th chapter of the Quran, a Meccan surah of 22 ayat. It takes its name from an opening oath sworn by the sky and its great constellations. The surah is best known for recounting the account of the People of the Ditch — believers who were persecuted and cast into fiery trenches for holding to their faith — as a warning to those who oppress the faithful and a consolation to the persecuted. It affirms God as the Almighty and Praiseworthy, witness over all deeds, whose grip on wrongdoers is severe and whose reward for the believers is lasting. The chapter recalls earlier examples of tyrannical peoples who were destroyed, and closes by describing the Quran as a glorious, preserved revelation. Its subject matter is steadfastness under persecution, divine justice against oppressors, and the honored, safeguarded status of the revelation.
Surah number
85
Revelation
Meccan
Ayahs
22
Arabic
البروج

Read Surah Al-Buruj online — full Arabic text with the Pickthall English translation.

Main themes

  • Steadfast faith under persecution
  • The account of the People of the Ditch
  • Warning to oppressors of believers
  • God as witness, Almighty, and Praiseworthy
  • Examples of earlier destroyed tyrants
  • The Quran as a glorious, preserved revelation

Why this surah matters

Al-Buruj is widely valued as a source of consolation and courage, especially remembered for the story of the People of the Ditch, which honors those who endure persecution for their faith. Revealed amid the hardships of the early Meccan community, it reassures believers that oppression is seen and judged by God. Its concluding affirmation of the revelation's preserved, exalted status is frequently cited by commentators.

Frequently asked questions

What is the story of the People of the Ditch?

The surah refers to believers who were thrown into fiery trenches by tyrants for refusing to abandon their faith. It is presented as a warning to persecutors and encouragement to those who remain steadfast under trial.

What does the name Al-Buruj mean?

It refers to the great stars or constellations named in the surah's opening oath. The term is commonly rendered as "the mansions of the stars" or "the great constellations."

Why was this surah meaningful to early Muslims?

Revealed during a period of persecution in Mecca, it offered consolation by affirming that God witnesses injustice, will requite oppressors, and grants lasting reward to steadfast believers.

Read Surah Al-Buruj

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