Surah Al-Qasas (The Stories)

Al-Qasas means "The Stories" or "The Narrations," referring to the detailed narrative account, especially the life story of Prophet Musa (Moses), that runs through the surah.

Al-Qasas ("The Stories") is the 28th surah of the Quran, traditionally classified as Meccan, with 88 ayahs. As a Meccan surah, it addresses faith, divine sovereignty, and the consequences of pride and oppression. Its defining feature is an extended, sequential narrative of the life of Prophet Musa (Moses): his birth under Pharaoh's persecution, his upbringing, his years in Madyan, his marriage, his call to prophethood, and his confrontation with Pharaoh's tyranny. The surah also discusses Qarun (Korah), presented as a figure whose wealth led to arrogance and ruin, offering a lesson on how worldly power and riches are tested. Throughout, the surah reassures the believing community that God's plan prevails over the schemes of the powerful, and that ultimate honor belongs to the righteous rather than to worldly might.

Surah number: 28
Revelation: Meccan
Ayahs: 88
Arabic: القصص

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

Main themes

The life and mission of Prophet Musa
Divine protection of the vulnerable against tyranny
The downfall of Pharaoh and Qarun
Wealth, power, and their trials
God's sovereignty over history
Reassurance and hope for believers

Why this surah matters

Al-Qasas belongs to a group of consecutive Meccan surahs and provides one of the most detailed continuous accounts of Prophet Musa's early life in the Quran. Its narrative complements passages found in neighboring surahs, and its lessons on humility, justice, and the fleeting nature of worldly power have made it a frequent point of reference in Islamic teaching and reflection.

Frequently asked questions

What does Al-Qasas focus on?

It centers on the life story of Prophet Musa, from his birth and time in Madyan to his prophethood and confrontation with Pharaoh, alongside the cautionary account of Qarun.

Is Al-Qasas Meccan or Medinan?

It is traditionally regarded as a Meccan surah, in keeping with its emphasis on prophetic narrative and core belief.

Who is Qarun mentioned in this surah?

Qarun (Korah) is portrayed as a wealthy man whose arrogance about his riches led to his ruin, serving as a lesson on the trials of wealth and power.

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