Surah Naba opens with a question that shakes the soul: “What are they asking one another about?” This powerful chapter is not only rich in imagery and divine warnings, but also a masterpiece of rhythm and eloquence. Learning Surah Naba with proper Tajweed allows you to connect with its weighty message and recite it with the dignity it deserves.
In this comprehensive guide, you’ll explore the meaning of Surah Naba, its background and key themes, the Tajweed rules applied in each verse, and a step-by-step plan to help you memorize it effectively. Whether you’re a beginner or looking to refine your recitation, this guide is your gateway to mastering one of the most profound chapters of Juz Amma.
Table of Contents
What is Surah Naba?
Surah An-Naba (The Tidings) is the 78th chapter of the Qur’an and consists of 40 verses. It is a powerful Makki Surah revealed during the early period of the Prophet Muhammad’s ﷺ mission in Makkah. The Surah addresses the disbelief of the Quraysh in the resurrection and the Hereafter, using striking rhetorical questions and vivid imagery to emphasize the reality of life after death.
An-Naba means “The Great News” or “The Important Announcement.” The Surah is named after the phrase “ʿan in-nabaʾ il-ʿaẓīm” (about the Great News) mentioned in the first verse, referring to the Day of Judgment, which the disbelievers disputed.
Surah An-Naba is a Makki Surah, revealed before the Hijrah (migration) to Madinah. Its themes—belief in the Hereafter, divine power, and warning to disbelievers—are characteristic of Makki revelation.
Asbab al-Nuzul (Reason for Revelation):
Though no specific occasion is recorded, this Surah was revealed in response to the Quraysh’s mockery and denial of the resurrection. It came as a stern warning, using strong, rhythmic language to refute their doubts and awaken their conscience.
The central theme of Surah An-Naba is the certainty of the resurrection and the Day of Judgment. It describes the signs of Allah’s creation as proof of His power, then transitions to scenes of the Hereafter—reward for the righteous and punishment for the wicked. It calls people to reflect on the temporary nature of this world and prepare for the eternal life to come.
What are the Lessons of Surah Naba?
Surah Naba delivers a powerful reminder of the Hereafter and forces the listener to reflect on the signs of Allah in creation. It contrasts the serenity of this world’s blessings with the gravity of the Day of Judgment, encouraging mindfulness, accountability, and faith in the unseen.
1. Belief in the Resurrection and the Hereafter
The Surah reaffirms that the Day of Judgment is inevitable, despite the denial of disbelievers. It reminds us that every soul will be held accountable for its actions.
2. Reflecting on the Signs of Creation
From the Earth’s expanse to the creation of mountains and the cycle of night and day—these signs are not random; they are deliberate proofs of Allah’s wisdom and power.
3. The Certainty of Reward and Punishment
Surah Naba vividly describes the contrasting fate of the righteous and the wicked—Paradise as a reward for the pious, and Hell as the outcome for those who deny truth.
4. The Importance of Preparation for the Hereafter
This Surah teaches us not to be deluded by the temporary life of this world, and to constantly strive for deeds that will benefit us on the Day of Resurrection.
5. The Power of Divine Justice
Every verse echoes the precision of Allah’s judgment. Nothing will go unnoticed; every deed—big or small—will be accounted for.
Virtues and Benefits for surah naba
Although there are no specific hadiths exclusively tied to Surah Naba, the Prophet ﷺ taught that reflecting on the realities of the Hereafter softens the heart and renews faith. Reciting such Surahs helps believers stay spiritually grounded and conscious of their purpose.
Reading Surah Naba with Tajweed (Ayah-by-Ayah)
Learning Surah Naba with Tajweed unlocks a deeper connection with the surah’s power and flow. Below is a verse-by-verse breakdown including Tajweed rules to help you recite accurately and beautifully.
| Ayah | Arabic | Transliteration | Translation |
| 1 | عَمَّ يَتَسَاءَلُونَ | ‘Amma Yatasa’ālūn | About what are they asking one another? |
| 2 | عَنِ النَّبَإِ الْعَظِيمِ | ‘Ani al-naba’i al-‘azīm | About the great news. |
| 3 | الَّذِي هُمْ فِيهِ مُخْتَلِفُونَ | Alladhī hum fīhi mukhtalifūn | That over which they are differing. |
| 4 | كَلَّا سَيَعْلَمُونَ | Kalla saya‘lamūn | No! They will come to know. |
| 5 | ثُمَّ كَلَّا سَيَعْلَمُونَ | Thumma kalla saya‘lamūn | Then, no! They will come to know. |
| 6 | أَلَمْ نَجْعَلِ ٱلْأَرْضَ مِهَـٰدًا | Alam najʿali al-arḍa mihāda | Have We not made the earth as a resting place? |
| 7 | وَٱلْجِبَالَ أَوْتَادًا | Wal-jibāla awtāda | And the mountains as pegs? |
| 8 | وَخَلَقْنَـٰكُمْ أَزْوَٰجًا | Wakhalaqnākum azwājan | And We created you in pairs. |
| 9 | وَجَعَلْنَا نَوْمَكُمْ سُبَاتًا | Wajaʿalnā nawmakum subātā | And made your sleep [a means for] rest. |
| 10 | وَجَعَلْنَا ٱلَّيْلَ لِبَاسًا | Wajaʿalnā al-layla libāsā | And made the night as a covering. |
| 11 | وَجَعَلْنَا النَّهَارَ مَعَاشًا | Wa jaʿalnā an-nahāra maʿāshā | And made the day for livelihood. |
| 12 | وَبَنَيْنَا فَوْقَكُمْ سَبْعًا شِدَادًا | Wa banaynā fawqakum sabʿan shidādā | And built above you seven strong (heavens). |
| 13 | وَجَعَلْنَا سِرَاجًا وَهَّاجًا | Wa jaʿalnā sirājan wahhājā | And made a shining lamp (the sun). |
| 14 | وَأَنزَلْنَا مِنَ الْمُعْصِرَاتِ مَاءً ثَجَّاجًا | Wa anzalnā mina-l-muʿṣirāti māʾan thajjājā | And sent down from the rain clouds pouring water. |
| 15 | لِنُخْرِجَ بِهِ حَبًّا وَنَبَاتًا | Li-nukhrija bihi ḥabban wa nabātā | That We may bring forth thereby grain and vegetation. |
| 16 | وَجَنَّاتٍ أَلْفَافًا | Wa jannātin alfāfā | And gardens of entwined growth. |
| 17 | إِنَّ يَوْمَ الْفَصْلِ كَانَ مِيقَاتًا | Inna yawma-l-faṣli kāna mīqātā | Indeed, the Day of Judgement is an appointed time. |
| 18 | يَوْمَ يُنفَخُ فِي الصُّورِ فَتَأْتُونَ أَفْوَاجًا | Yawma yunfakhu fīṣ-ṣūri fataʾtūna afwājā | The Day the Trumpet is blown and you will come forth in multitudes. |
| 19 | وَفُتِحَتِ السَّمَاءُ فَكَانَتْ أَبْوَابًا | Wa futiḥati-s-samāʾu fakānat abwābā | And the heaven is opened and becomes gateways. |
| 20 | وَسُيِّرَتِ الْجِبَالُ فَكَانَتْ سَرَابًا | Wa suyiratil-jibālu fakānat sarābā | And the mountains are removed and become a mirage. |
| 21 | وَسُيِّرَتِ الْجِبَالُ فَكَانَتْ سَرَابًا | Wa suyyiratil-jibālu fakānat sarābā | And the mountains are moved and become a mirage. |
| 22 | إِنَّ جَهَنَّمَ كَانَتْ مِرْصَادًا | Inna jahannama kānat mirṣādā | Indeed, Hell has been lying in ambush. |
| 23 | لِّلطَّاغِينَ مَآبًا | Liṭ-ṭāghīna ma’ābā | For the transgressors, a place of return. |
| 24 | لَابِثِينَ فِيهَا أَحْقَابًا | Lābithīna fīhā aḥqābā | In which they will remain for ages. |
| 25 | لَا يَذُوقُونَ فِيهَا بَرْدًا وَلَا شَرَابًا | Lā yaḏūqūna fīhā bardan wa lā sharābā | They will not taste therein any coolness or drink. |
| 26 | إِلَّا حَمِيمًا وَغَسَّاقًا | Illā ḥamīman wa ghassāqā | Except boiling water and [foul] purulence. |
| 27 | جَزَاءً وِفَاقًا | Jazā’an wifāqā | An appropriate recompense. |
| 28 | إِنَّهُمْ كَانُوا لَا يَرْجُونَ حِسَابًا | Innahum kānū lā yarjūna ḥisābā | Indeed, they were not expecting an account. |
| 29 | وَكَذَّبُوا بِآيَاتِنَا كِذَّابًا | Wa kadhdhabū bi-āyātinā kidhdhābā | And they denied Our verses with denial. |
| 30 | وَكُلَّ شَيْءٍ أَحْصَيْنَاهُ كِتَابًا | Wa kulla shay’in aḥṣaynāhu kitābā | But all things We have enumerated in writing. |
| 31 | إِنَّ لِلْمُتَّقِينَ مَفَازًا | Inna lil-muttaqīna mafāzā | Indeed, for the righteous is attainment. |
| 32 | حَدَائِقَ وَأَعْنَابًا | Ḥadā’iqa wa aʿnābā | Gardens and grapevines. |
| 33 | وَكَوَاعِبَ أَتْرَابًا | Wa kawāʿiba atrābā | And full-breasted companions of equal age. |
| 34 | وَكَأْسًا دِهَاقًا | Wa ka’san dihāqā | And a full cup [of wine]. |
| 35 | لَا يَسْمَعُونَ فِيهَا لَغْوًا وَلَا كِذَّابًا | Lā yasmaʿūna fīhā laghwan wa lā kidhdhābā | They will not hear therein any ill speech or falsehood. |
| 36 | جَزَاءً مِّن رَّبِّكَ عَطَاءً حِسَابًا | Jazā’an min rabbika ʿaṭā’an ḥisābā | [As] reward from your Lord, [a generous] gift [made due to] account. |
| 37 | رَّبِّ السَّمَاوَاتِ وَالْأَرْضِ وَمَا بَيْنَهُمَا الرَّحْمَٰنِ لَا يَمْلِكُونَ مِنْهُ خِطَابًا | Rabbis-samāwāti wal-arḍi wa mā baynahumā ar-Raḥmān(i), lā yamlikūna minhu khitābā | Lord of the heavens and the earth and whatever is between them—the Most Merciful. They do not possess from Him [the authority for] speech. |
| 38 | يَوْمَ يَقُومُ الرُّوحُ وَالْمَلَائِكَةُ صَفًّا ۖ لَا يَتَكَلَّمُونَ إِلَّا مَنْ أَذِنَ لَهُ الرَّحْمَٰنُ وَقَالَ صَوَابًا | Yawma yaqūmur-rūḥu wal-malā’ikatu ṣaffā, lā yatakallamūna illā man adhina lahu ar-Raḥmān wa qāla ṣawābā | The Day that the Spirit and the angels will stand in rows; they will not speak except for one whom the Most Merciful permits, and he will say what is correct. |
| 39 | ذَٰلِكَ الْيَوْمُ الْحَقُّ ۖ فَمَن شَاءَ اتَّخَذَ إِلَىٰ رَبِّهِ مَآبًا | Dhālika al-yawmu al-ḥaqq, fa man shā’a ittakhadha ilā rabbihi ma’ābā | That is the True Day; so whoever wills may take to his Lord a [way of] return. |
| 40 | إِنَّا أَنذَرْنَاكُمْ عَذَابًا قَرِيبًا ۖ يَوْمَ يَنظُرُ الْمَرْءُ مَا قَدَّمَتْ يَدَاهُ وَيَقُولُ الْكَافِرُ يَا لَيْتَنِي كُنتُ تُرَابًا | Innā andharnākum ʿadhāban qarībā, yawma yanẓurul-mar’u mā qaddamat yadāh, wa yaqūlul-kāfiru yā laytanī kuntu turābā | Indeed, We have warned you of a near punishment on the Day when a man will observe what his hands have put forth, and the disbeliever will say, “Oh, I wish that I were dust!” |
How to Learn and Memorize Surah An-Naba?
Step 1: Set Your Intention and Create a Peaceful Environment
Start with a sincere intention (niyyah) to please Allah and gain His rewards. Choose a quiet, clean space free from distractions to help you focus while memorizing.
Step 2: Listen to a Skilled Reciter
Begin by listening to a qualified Qari, such as Sheikh Mishary Rashid Alafasy or Sheikh Al-Husary. Their correct pronunciation and beautiful rhythm will guide your own recitation and Tajweed.
Surah Al‑Naba by Mishary Rashid Al‑Afasy (with English Meaning)
Step 3: Break It Down, One Verse at a Time
Focus on one verse at a time. Read it aloud multiple times, understand its meaning, and repeat it until it sticks in your memory. Only move to the next verse once the current one is mastered.
Step 4: Use the Repetition Formula
Apply a memorization technique like: read the verse 20 times while looking, then recite it 20 times from memory. Repetition builds retention.
Step 5: Link the Verses
After memorizing individual verses, begin connecting them. Recite the first two together, then add the third, and continue building until you complete the Surah.
Step 6: Recite in Your Salah
Incorporate the memorized verses into your daily prayers. This reinforces retention and strengthens your connection with the Surah.
Step 7: Practice with a Teacher or Partner
Reciting to someone else helps catch mistakes. A qualified Quran teacher can refine your Tajweed and ensure accurate memorization.
Read Also: Learn And Memorize Surah Lahab with Tajweed, Benefits and Lessons
Common Mistakes to Avoid in Learning Surah An-Naba
1. Pronunciation Mistakes:
One of the most common errors is mispronouncing heavy and light letters such as ‘ط’ (ṭā) and ‘ت’ (tā). Mixing up these sounds affects the meaning and flow of the verse. Make sure to articulate each letter from its correct point of origin (makhraj).
2. Tajweed Errors:
Learners often neglect applying rules like ghunnah (nasal sound) in places where it’s required, such as in words with idgham or ikhfa. Also, elongation (madd) is frequently rushed, especially in words like “السحاب” or “السماء”.
3. Memorization Shortcuts:
Some learners try to memorize too many verses at once without perfecting the previous ones. This leads to weak retention and confusion. Skipping the understanding phase also weakens the spiritual connection and makes memorization harder.
Read Also: Learn And Memorize Surah Al-qadr tajweed, Benefits and Lessons
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
How long does it take to memorize Surah An-Naba?
It usually takes 5 to 10 days for most learners to memorize Surah An-Naba with proper repetition and Tajweed practice. However, consistency is the key.
What is the best time to learn the Quran?
Early mornings, especially after Fajr prayer, are considered the most effective time. The mind is calm and the heart more receptive to spiritual learning.
Can I learn Tajweed by myself from this guide?
This guide offers a strong starting point, but mastering Tajweed requires supervision from a qualified teacher to correct pronunciation and application of rules.
Conclusion
Surah An-Naba is more than just a chapter to memorize—it’s a powerful reminder of the Hereafter and the ultimate accountability of every soul. In this guide, you’ve explored its meaning, key themes, Tajweed applications, and step-by-step memorization techniques.
As you continue your journey with the Quran, remember that every verse brings light into your life. Whether you’re learning alone or with guidance, the effort itself is deeply rewarding. Let each ayah you recite bring you closer to Allah.
Start your learning journey with Riwaq Al Quran today—and let the Book of Allah reshape your heart, one surah at a time.
