Surah Al-'Alaq

About Surah Al-'Alaq

The Arabic name of Surah Al-'Alaq is العلق. Al-’Alaq means “The Clinging Clot” (quran.com: “The Clot”). The name comes from the word ’alaq in the second verse. It belongs to the Makki surahs, the chapters revealed in Makkah before the Hijrah. In the revelation-order list used by quran.com, it is number 1 of 114. In the order of the Mushaf it comes after Surah At-Tin and before Surah Al-Qadr.

Main Themes of Surah Al-'Alaq

The surah opens with the very first words of revelation, a call to read and learn, and closes with a passage responding to opposition at the Ka’bah.

• Its first five verses are, by the agreement of most scholars, the very first revelation the Prophet received, in the Cave of Hira.
• The command to read in the name of the Lord who created, who created the human being from a clinging clot and taught by the pen.
• The later verses (6–19) came when the Prophet began praying at the Ka’bah and Abu Jahl tried to stop him with threats.
• A warning against arrogance, and encouragement to keep praying to Allah in spite of opposition.

Learn Surah Al-'Alaq with Tajweed

Whether you are a beginner or revising, learning Surah Al-'Alaq with a teacher helps you pronounce every letter correctly and recite with confidence. Join our online Tajweed classes or Quran memorization program at Smart Quran Academy, and start with a free trial class. Regular revision with a teacher helps keep memorized surahs firm and recitation clear.