Virtues and Introduction to Surah Ar-Rahman

Virtues and Introduction to Surah Ar-Rahman:

The name of this Surah is “Ar-Rahman” because its first word is Ar-Rahman. In the Hadith as well, this Surah is referred to by this name. 

 Virtues and Introduction to Surah Ar-Rahman

Period of Revelation:

According to the majority of the Companions (Sahabah) and the Successors (Tabi’in), this Surah is Meccan. However, a group narrated from Ibn Abbas (رضی اللہ عنہما) that it is Medinan and was revealed during the Treaty of Hudaybiyah. On the other hand, Ibn Abbas (رضی اللہ عنہما) also held another opinion that it is Meccan. 

This Surah was revealed after Surah Al-Furqan and before Surah Al-Hijr and Surah An-Nahl. In the order of revelation, it is the 43rd Surah, while in the arrangement of the Mus’haf, it is the 55th Surah. 

Hadiths Regarding Surah Ar-Rahman:

1. Hazrat Urwah ibn Az-Zubair (رضی اللہ عنہ) narrates that after the Prophet (ﷺ), the first person to recite the Quran aloud in Makkah was Abdullah ibn Mas’ud (رضی اللہ عنہ). One day, the Companions said, The Quraysh have never heard the Quran being recited aloud by anyone. So, who will recite it to them loudly?

Ibn Mas’ud said, I will recite it.

The Companions replied, We fear for you. We want someone who has a strong clan to protect him from their harm. But Ibn Mas’ud insisted. He stood near the Maqam-e-Ibrahim and began reciting: 

" بسم الله الرحمن الرحيم۝

(English text)

(Bismillah ir-Rahman ir-Raheem). 

الرَّحْمَنُ۝ عَلم القران۝ " 

(English text)

Ar-Rahman. ‘Allam al-Quran. (Surah Ar-Rahman: 1-2) 

He raised his voice while reciting. At that time, the Quraysh were sitting in their gatherings. They said, O son of Umm Abd! What are you saying? Is this the same speech that Muhammad (ﷺ) claims was revealed to him? Then they beat Ibn Mas’ud (رضی اللہ عنہ) severely until his face swelled up. 

2. Hazrat Jabir (رضی اللہ عنہ) narrates that the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) once went to his companions and recited Surah Ar-Rahman from beginning to end. The Companions remained silent. The Prophet (ﷺ) then said: 

I met the Jinn, and when I recited this Surah to them, they responded better than you. Whenever I recited:

فَبِاَیِّ اٰلَآءِ رَبِّكُمَا تُكَذِّبٰنِ ۝

(English text)

Fa-bi-ayyi ala’i rabbikuma tukaththiban.

Translation:

(So which of the favors of your Lord will you deny?)

They would say:

" لا بشيء من نعمك ربنا نكذب فلك الحمد"

(English text)

La bi-shay’in min ni’amika rabbana nukaththibu, fa-laka al-hamd.

Translation:

(O our Lord! We do not deny any of Your favors, and all praise belongs to You.)

3. Hazra Ali (رضی اللہ عنہ) narrates that the Prophet (ﷺ) said: 

Everything has a bride (ornament), and the bride of the Quran is Surah Ar-Rahman.

(Source: Tafsir Tabian al-Quran by Sa’idi, Surah Ar-Rahman)