Surah Ibrahim (Abraham)

Named "Ibrahim" after the Prophet Abraham, whose supplication for Mecca and its people appears in its later verses.

Surah Ibrahim is the 14th chapter of the Quran, traditionally classified as Meccan, comprising 52 ayahs. Its central concern is the divine purpose of revelation: guiding humanity out of darkness into light. The surah opens with this theme and repeatedly contrasts gratitude with ingratitude, warning that thankfulness invites increase while denial invites severe consequence. It recounts the pattern of earlier messengers and the responses of their peoples, illustrating how truth and falsehood are distinguished. A recurring image likens a good word to a firmly rooted, fruitful tree and a corrupt word to an uprooted one. The chapter closes with a well-known passage of supplications attributed to Abraham, who prays for the security of the sacred city, for the establishment of prayer among his descendants, and for forgiveness. Throughout, it emphasizes God's favors, human accountability, and the reckoning of the Hereafter.

Surah number: 14
Revelation: Meccan
Ayahs: 52
Arabic: ابراهيم

Read Surah Ibrahim online — full Arabic text with the Pickthall English translation.

Main themes

Revelation as guidance from darkness to light
Gratitude versus ingratitude for divine favors
The parable of the good word and the corrupt word
Continuity of the prophetic mission
Abraham's supplications for Mecca and his offspring
Accountability and the Day of Judgment

Why this surah matters

Surah Ibrahim sits among the Meccan chapters that build the foundations of faith, prophethood, and resurrection. It is one of several surahs named after a prophet, distinguished by Abraham's heartfelt prayers, which many Muslims cherish for their themes of gratitude and reliance on God. Its parable of the firmly rooted tree is widely referenced in teaching and reflection. The surah's emphasis on thankfulness has made certain of its verses familiar in sermons and personal devotion, though it prescribes no specific ritual obligation.

Frequently asked questions

Is Surah Ibrahim Meccan or Medinan?

It is traditionally classified as Meccan, though some scholars regard a couple of its verses as revealed later.

Why is it named after Abraham?

The name comes from the section containing Abraham's supplications, particularly his prayer for Mecca and his descendants; he is not the only prophet mentioned in it.

What is the central message of the surah?

That revelation is sent to lead people from darkness into light, and that gratitude for God's favors is the fitting human response.

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