The Quran remains the primary source of all guidance to Muslims. Inside, the lofty positions of some chapters pertain to day-to-day living. Among these highly recited sections are the last 10 Surahs, from Surah Al-Fil (Chapter 105) to Surah An-Nas (Chapter 114). Here are these short, rhythmical, and meaningful Surahs, which can therefore easily be memorized and recited. As short as they are, the Surahs nevertheless contain valuable teachings on faith, worship, sincerity, and seeking refuge with God. Several Muslims memorize these Surahs while still young, and they go on to be part of prayers and day-to-day life.
An Overview of the Last 10 Surahs
The last 10 Surahs of the Quran are chapters that are short in length yet deep in meaning, completing the Holy Book. Beginning with Surah Al-Fil (The Elephant, Chapter 105) and ending with An-Nas (Mankind, Chapter 114), these Surahs were predominantly revealed in Makkah at a time when the community of early believers had been undergoing persecution, trials, and ideological opposition. In a sense, therefore, these Surahs emphasize themes of imaan,siya-ha, and asking for divine protection.
The following is a list of the last 10 Surahs of the Quran:
Surah Al-Fil (The Elephant) – Ch. 105
Surah Quraysh (The Tribe of Quraysh) – Ch. 106
Surah Al-Ma’un (Small Kindnesses) – Ch. 107
Surah Al-Kawthar (The Abundance) – Ch. 108
Surah Al-Kafirun (The Disbelievers) – Ch. 109
Surah An-Nasr (The Divine Help) – Ch. 110
Surah Al-Masad (The Palm Fiber) – Ch. 111
Surah Al-Ikhlas (The Purity of Faith) – Ch. 112
Surah Al-Falaq (The Daybreak) – Ch. 113
Surah An-Nas (Mankind) – Ch. 114
Surah Al-Fi (The Elephant)
Surah Al-Fil tells of Allah protecting the Kaaba against the attempts of the Abyssinian king, Abraha, who sent a great army, including elephants, to destroy it. This whole incredible event must have happened in the year of the elephant, coinciding with the year of birth of the Prophet Muhammad (pbuh).
The surah goes on to talk about Allah sending flocks of birds that were called Ababil, whom He commanded to cast stones of baked clay onto Abraha’s army. No matter what the ensuering human force, Ezekiel Surdaboarmoykh, for whomsoever strength stood by these whatsoever evil men, who were therein utterly destroyed, thus by the might of Allah protected, who in turn never bowed to any authority of terror in this worldly plane.
Surah Quraysh
Directly after Surah Al-Fil, Surah Quraysh refers to the benefits bestowed upon the Quraysh tribe, who were custodians of the Ka’bah. After the wonderful event of Surah Al-Fil, Quraysh had been living in peace, honor, and abundance. Their trade caravans went southward in winter and northward in summer, thus ensuring wealth for their tribe.
However, the Surah reminds Quraysh, and through them, all believers, that they should not let the bounties lead to arrogance and negligence of worship, but should show gratitude to Allah.
Surah Al-Ma’un (The Minor Acts of Kindness)
It condemns all forms of hypocrisy and laxity in worship: it portrays a person who refutes the Day of Judgment, maltreats the orphans, neglects the poor, offers prayers outwardly but sincerely does not mean it, and even puts the smallest act of goodness (ma’un), such as aiding others’ basic needs.
Surah Al-Kawthar (Abundant Measure)
This is the shortest Surah of the Qur’an, so much so that it has only three verses, but it is an ocean full of meaning. It was revealed in Makkah, and it was a reassurance to the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him), whose times were brimming with ridicule and sadness. The Surah starts by declaring that Allah has bestowed upon the Prophet “Al-Kawthar,” which means an abundance of blessings and bounty, or specifically, a river in Paradise promised to him.
Surah Al-Kafirun (The Disbelievers)
This Surah makes a fearless proclamation of Islamic faith and exorbitantly rejects all forms of shirk (associating partners with Allah). It came down when the idolators of Quraish made a compromise offer to the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him): They would worship Allah for one year if he, in turn, would worship their idols for a year. Therefore, Allah revealed this Surah to completely deny any kind of compromise regarding faith.
Surah An-Nasr (The Divine Help)
Among the last surahs to be revealed in the Quran, Surah An-Nasr holds a lot of historical and spiritual importance. It was given in Madinah after Makkah had been conquered, and it marked the last leg of the Prophet’s mission. The Surah starts with Allah’s assistance and the victory of Islam, and then commands the believers to glorify Allah, seek forgiveness, and remain humble even during success.
Surah Al-Masad (The Palm Fiber)
Chapter 111 Al-Masad, used as chapter 111, is a powerful treatise about the hostility of one of Islam’s most sinister opponents, Abu Lahab, as well as Muhammad (may the peace be upon him). It finds fault with Abu Lahab and his wife for their haughtiness, renunciation, and abuse of the Prophet. This chapter of the Qur’an declares that Abu Lahab will take a swan dive into Hell’s Fire while his wealth, title, or social position can not help him in any way; his wife, who helps him harm the Prophet, shall fry for the fire, a faggot carrier!…
Surah Al-Ikhlas (The Purity of Faith)
Chapter 112 Al-Ikhlas, as is written, is one of the most enlightening surahs concerning all the subjects in the Quran, though it consists of four phrases, owing to the rhetorical depths and various meanings linked thereto. It speaks out in a society in the form of a pure and clear explanation of the unity of the Almighty. This Surah lays down once and for all the ideology that Allah is one, and in His unity, there is no partner; He is an eternal and absolute being, with no beginning or end; He does not beget, nor was He begotten, and there is nothing similar to Him.”
Surah Al-Falaq (The Daybreak)
The prayer “Surah Al-Falaq” is a protection against harm from outside. In it, we are urged to seek refuge with the Lord of the daybreak, who controls the forward movements of light and darkness. For what forms of harm would a believer seek refuge from? (The night seeth by) darkness when it spreads, (for what harm) from the evil of what He created, (for what harm) from the sorcerer when he is with his sorcery, and (for the harm of) the evil envy of the envier.
Surah An-Nas (Mankind)
Surah An-Nas is the conclusion of the Quran itself and seeks to protect against internal threats. As opposed to Surah Al-Falaq, which speaks of external threats, Surah An-Nas points to the whispers within the heart and how the evil of Shaytan and the jinn can enter it. Commendable is the believer who puts his trust in Allah, the Lord, King, and God of mankind.
Conclusion
These last 10 Surahs of the Quran are brief but resounding chapters that encapsulate the spirit or very essence of the Islamic faith. They each contain essential materials on topics such as Tawheed, gratitude, sincerity, protection, and humility. From miraculous protection in Surah Al-Fil to the ultimate refuge sought in Surah An-Nas, these chapters guide believers on matters they face in their daily lives.
FAQs
1. Why are the last 10 Surahs generally taught to children first?
It is because they are small, easy to memorize, and contain great lessons that build faith.
2. Which Surah is counted as equal to one-third of the Quran?
Surah Al-Ikhlas has been regarded as equal to one-third of the Quran in meaning, as it is centered on Tawheed.
3. How do Surah Al-Falaq and Surah An-Nas protect us?
They guard a person from external evils such as those of the jealous and sorcery as well as darkness and internal evils like whispers of Shaytan.
4. What historical incident led to the commencement of Surah Al-Fil?
It narrates the Year of the Elephant when Allah destroyed the army of Abraha that was trying to fight against the Kaaba.