Surah Al-Hashr, the 59th chapter of the Quran, is revered for its powerful concluding verses, which beautifully describe Allah’s attributes and His supreme authority over the universe. The last three verses of Surah Al-Hashr (verses 22-24) are widely recited by Muslims for their spiritual benefits, as they remind believers of Allah’s unique qualities and instill a sense of reverence and awe.
In this article, we will explore the meaning of these verses, their significance in Islamic worship, and the rewards associated with their recitation.
Arabic Text and English Translation of the Last 3 Verses of Surah Al-Hashr
Arabic Text:
Verse 22:
هُوَ ٱللَّهُ ٱلَّذِى لَآ إِلَـٰهَ إِلَّا هُوَ ۖ عَـٰلِمُ ٱلْغَيْبِ وَٱلشَّهَـٰدَةِ ۖ هُوَ ٱلرَّحْمَـٰنُ ٱلرَّحِيمُ
Verse 23:
هُوَ ٱللَّهُ ٱلَّذِى لَآ إِلَـٰهَ إِلَّا هُوَ ٱلْمَلِكُ ٱلْقُدُّوسُ ٱلسَّلَـٰمُ ٱلْمُؤْمِنُ ٱلْمُهَيْمِنُ ٱلْعَزِيزُ ٱلْجَبَّارُ ٱلْمُتَكَبِّرُ ۚ سُبْحَـٰنَ ٱللَّهِ عَمَّا يُشْرِكُونَ
Verse 24:
هُوَ ٱللَّهُ ٱلْخَـٰلِقُ ٱلْبَارِئُ ٱلْمُصَوِّرُ ۖ لَهُ ٱلْأَسْمَآءُ ٱلْحُسْنَىٰ ۚ يُسَبِّحُ لَهُۥ مَا فِى ٱلسَّمَـٰوَٰتِ وَٱلْأَرْضِ ۖ وَهُوَ ٱلْعَزِيزُ ٱلْحَكِيمُ
English Translation:
Verse 22:
“He is Allah, other than whom there is no deity, Knower of the unseen and the witnessed. He is the Entirely Merciful, the Especially Merciful.”
Verse 23:
“He is Allah, other than whom there is no deity, the Sovereign, the Pure, the Perfection, the Bestower of Faith, the Overseer, the Exalted in Might, the Compeller, the Superior. Exalted is Allah above whatever they associate with Him.”
Verse 24:
“He is Allah, the Creator, the Inventor, the Fashioner; to Him belong the best names. Whatever is in the heavens and earth exalts Him. And He is the Exalted in Might, the Wise.”
Meaning and Explanation of the Last 3 Verses of Surah Al-Hashr
These verses encapsulate some of the most profound descriptions of Allah, listing several of His names and attributes. Let’s look at each verse more closely to understand their meanings.
Verse 22: The Knowledge and Mercy of Allah
The verse begins with the affirmation that Allah is the only deity, the One who alone possesses the knowledge of the unseen and the seen. This highlights Allah’s omniscience—He knows everything, visible or hidden, in the universe. Allah’s attributes of being the “Entirely Merciful” (Ar-Rahman) and the “Especially Merciful” (Ar-Raheem) emphasize His boundless mercy, which is accessible to all creation.
Verse 23: The Sovereign and Majestic Attributes of Allah
The next verse elaborates on Allah’s divine sovereignty and purity. He is described as Al-Malik (The Sovereign), Al-Quddus (The Pure), As-Salam (The Source of Peace), Al-Mu’min (The Bestower of Faith), Al-Muhaymin (The Guardian), Al-Aziz (The Exalted in Might), Al-Jabbar (The Compeller), and Al-Mutakabbir (The Superior). Each name reflects an aspect of His majesty and authority over all that exists, reminding Muslims of His unmatched power and holiness.
This verse concludes with a declaration of Allah’s transcendence, highlighting that He is free from any associations or partners.
Verse 24: Allah as the Creator and Owner of the Best Names
The final verse in Surah Al-Hashr’s concluding trio describes Allah as Al-Khaliq (The Creator), Al-Bari (The Evolver), and Al-Musawwir (The Fashioner of Forms). These names reflect Allah’s role in the creation, design, and formation of all beings. The verse mentions that Allah possesses the “best names” (Asma ul-Husna), underscoring the idea that all His names reflect His beauty, perfection, and majesty.
The verse ends by declaring that everything in the heavens and earth glorifies Allah. This universal praise of Allah by all creation is a reminder that His greatness is celebrated across the cosmos.
The Benefits of Reciting the Last 3 Verses of Surah Al-Hashr
The last three verses of Surah Al-Hashr are often recited for their numerous spiritual benefits. According to Islamic tradition, reciting these verses regularly can provide protection, blessings, and closeness to Allah. Some well-known benefits include:
- Protection from Evil: It is believed that reciting these verses in the morning and evening can shield one from harm throughout the day. These verses remind the believer of Allah’s protection and power, inspiring confidence and security.
- Spiritual Peace and Reflection: Reflecting on Allah’s names and attributes encourages mindfulness of His presence, promoting inner peace and trust in His wisdom and mercy.
- Increased Blessings and Rewards: Reciting these verses regularly is said to bring blessings from Allah, elevating one’s spiritual standing. The hadith literature mentions that those who engage in remembering Allah and contemplating His names receive great rewards.
- Strengthened Faith: The last three verses of Surah Al-Hashr highlight the oneness, majesty, and power of Allah, reinforcing the faith of believers in His omnipotence and wisdom.
Hadith on the Recitation of the Last Verses of Surah Al-Hashr
There are various narrations that emphasise the benefits of reciting these verses. One well-known hadith states:
“Whoever recites the last three verses of Surah Al-Hashr in the morning, seventy thousand angels are appointed for him who send blessings upon him until the evening. And if he dies that day, he will die as a martyr. And whoever recites them in the evening will have the same benefit.” (Al-Bukhari)
This hadith encourages the morning and evening recitation of these verses for divine protection and intercession by the angels, promising immense spiritual rewards.
How to Incorporate These Verses into Daily Life
The last three verses of Surah Al-Hashr can be easily included in a daily routine. Here are a few ways to incorporate them:
- Morning and Evening Recitation: Reciting these verses in the morning after Fajr (dawn) prayer and in the evening after Maghrib (sunset) prayer is encouraged to attain the protection and blessings described in the hadith.
- In Times of Hardship or Stress: These verses serve as a reminder of Allah’s power and mercy, making them beneficial to recite during times of stress or difficulty for comfort and reassurance.
- Contemplation and Reflection: Reflecting on the meanings of these verses deepens one’s understanding of Allah’s names and attributes, fostering a closer connection to Him.
Conclusion: The Power and Beauty of the Last 3 Verses of Surah Al-Hashr
The last three verses of Surah Al-Hashr are a magnificent reminder of Allah’s unique qualities and supreme authority over the universe. These verses encapsulate essential aspects of Islamic belief, reinforcing the oneness of Allah, His knowledge, and His role as Creator and Sustainer. For Muslims, reciting these verses brings both spiritual peace and divine protection, while contemplating their meanings fosters a deeper relationship with Allah.
Incorporating these verses into daily life offers a powerful reminder of Allah’s ever-present guidance and mercy, empowering believers to face life’s challenges with faith and resilience. By reciting these verses, Muslims affirm their reliance on Allah and acknowledge His boundless authority, finding strength and tranquillity in His words.