Surah Al-Mu'minun (The Believers)

Al-Mu'minun means "The Believers," named for its opening portrait of the qualities of successful, faithful people.

Al-Mu'minun is the 23rd surah of the Quran, a Meccan surah of 118 ayahs. It opens by describing the traits of the believers who attain success, presenting a concise portrait of humility in prayer, avoidance of idle talk, charity, and moral restraint. The surah then turns to the wonders of human creation and the natural order as evidence of God's power and the reality of resurrection. It recounts episodes from the histories of earlier prophets, including Noah, and other messengers who called their peoples to worship the one God and faced rejection. Through these narratives it emphasizes the unity of the prophetic message across time. The later portions address objections raised against the Prophet Muhammad, describe the fate awaiting the heedless, and close with reflections on accountability before God and the futility of denying the resurrection.

Surah number: 23
Revelation: Meccan
Ayahs: 118
Arabic: المؤمنون

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

Main themes

Qualities of the successful believers
Stages of human creation
Resurrection and accountability
Histories of earlier prophets
The unity of the prophetic message
Consequences of rejecting faith

Why this surah matters

Al-Mu'minun is widely cherished for its opening verses, which many Muslims regard as a clear summary of the character of a sincere believer and of the discipline of prayer. Its portrait of the faithful is frequently cited in discussions of spiritual and moral development. The surah is traditionally admired for its eloquence and its sustained argument for the resurrection drawn from the stages of human creation. Many Muslims turn to it for reflection on personal piety and self-improvement, appreciating its balance of ethical guidance and reminders of the hereafter.

Frequently asked questions

What are the opening verses of Al-Mu'minun known for?

They describe the defining qualities of successful believers, such as humble prayer, avoiding idle speech, giving charity, and moral self-restraint, and are often quoted as a summary of good character.

Is Surah Al-Mu'minun Meccan or Medinan?

It is a Meccan surah, reflecting the period's emphasis on faith, resurrection, and the stories of earlier prophets.

Which prophets are mentioned in it?

It refers to several earlier messengers, including Noah, highlighting that they all called their peoples to worship the one God.

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