Living Quran

Surah Ar-Ra'd (The Thunder)

Ar-Ra'd means "The Thunder," a name taken from a verse describing the thunder that glorifies God, cited among the natural signs that point to His power.

Ar-Ra'd is the thirteenth chapter of the Quran, consisting of 43 ayahs. Its classification is debated among scholars: it is traditionally listed as Medinan, though some hold parts or all of it to be Meccan. The surah takes its name from a passage in which thunder is said to declare the praise of God, part of a wider appeal to the signs of creation, the heavens raised without visible support, the alternation of day and night, mountains, rivers, and rain, as evidence of a single, all-powerful Creator. Central to the chapter are the truth and origin of revelation, the certainty of the resurrection, and the contrast between guidance and misguidance, and between what is lasting and what is fleeting. The surah is also known for a widely quoted statement affirming that God does not change the condition of a people until they change what is within themselves. It contains a verse traditionally marked for prostration during recitation.
Surah number
13
Revelation
Medinan
Ayahs
43
Arabic
الرعد

Read Surah Ar-Ra'd online — full Arabic text with the Pickthall English translation.

Main themes

  • Signs of God's power throughout creation
  • The truth and origin of revelation
  • Certainty of the resurrection and accountability
  • The contrast between lasting truth and fleeting falsehood
  • Human responsibility and inner change
  • Remembrance of God as the source of peace

Why this surah matters

Ar-Ra'd is noted for its vivid appeal to natural phenomena as pointers to the Creator, giving it a reflective, contemplative character. It contains one of the Quran's verses of prostration, which many reciters observe. The chapter is especially remembered for its statement linking a people's condition to their own inner state, a phrase frequently cited in discussions of moral and social responsibility. Its uncertain Meccan-or-Medinan classification is itself a well-known point among commentators.

Frequently asked questions

Is Ar-Ra'd Meccan or Medinan?

Its classification is debated. It is traditionally listed as Medinan, but some scholars regard part or all of it as Meccan; there is no single agreed view.

Why is it called "The Thunder"?

The name comes from a verse describing thunder glorifying God, cited among the signs of creation that point to His power.

Does this surah include a prostration verse?

Yes. It contains one of the Quran's recognized verses of prostration, which many reciters traditionally observe during recitation.

Read Surah Ar-Ra'd

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