English Translation and Commentary of the Holy Quran (2010)
by Maulana Muhammad Ali
Chapter 55: Ar-Rahman — The Beneficent (Revealed at Makkah: 3 sections, 78 verses)
Introduction:
This chapter takes it title from the name of God, The Beneficent, with which it begins, and the entire chapter speaks of the beneficence of Allah to human beings both in material and spiritual terms. It opens with the statement that the revelation of the Quran is due to Divine beneficence, and goes on to mention the means for man’s physical sustenance created due to the same beneficence. Then it speaks of the judgment to overtake the guilty who reject the spiritual benefits provided for them and the reward of the faithful who avail themselves of those benefits. The chapter belongs to the early period at Makkah.
List of Sections (Rukus):
- Divine Beneficence (Verses 55:1–55:25)
- Judgment of the Guilty (Verses 55:26–55:45)
- Reward of the Righteous (Verses 55:46–55:78)