Suratul Nasr: Reading and Meaning – JSS1 Islamic Studies Lesson Note (Third Term)

Suratul Nasr is the 110th chapter (surah) of the Holy Quran, and it has three verses that tell of Allah’s help and victory.

Behavioural objectives

By the end of the lesson, students should be able to:

1. Say where Suratul Nasr comes in the Holy Quran and how many verses it has.
2. Read the Arabic text of Suratul Nasr slowly and carefully.
3. Give the meaning of each of the three verses.
4. Explain when the surah was revealed.
5. State the lessons we learn from the surah.

What is Suratul Nasr?

Suratul Nasr is a short Madinan surah that brings good news to Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) and the Muslims.

• Number: it is the 110th surah of the Holy Quran.
• Verses: it has three verses, not counting “Bismillah”.
• Place in the Quran: it is among the short surahs near the end of the Quran.
• Name: “Nasr” means help, so the name means the Surah of Help.
• Type: it is a Madinan surah, revealed after the Hijrah.
• Main message: victory comes from Allah, so we must thank Him and ask for His forgiveness.

What is the Arabic text of Suratul Nasr?

The surah is read after “Bismillah” and has three verses, shown in the table below.

What are the meanings of the key words in Suratul Nasr?

These Arabic words carry the main message of the surah.

What is the meaning of Suratul Nasr?

The three verses speak of Allah’s help, people entering Islam, and thanking Allah with praise and forgiveness.

First verse: Allah’s help and victory

Arabic: إِذَا جَاءَ نَصْرُ اللَّهِ وَالْفَتْحُ

Translation: “When the help of Allah comes and the victory”

• Promise: Allah will help Prophet Muhammad and the Muslims.
• Success: the Muslims will overcome those who opposed them.
• Key words: “Nasr” means help and “Fath” means victory.

Second verse: people entering Islam

Arabic: وَرَأَيْتَ النَّاسَ يَدْخُلُونَ فِي دِينِ اللَّهِ أَفْوَاجًا

Translation: “And you see the people entering the religion of Allah in groups”

• Many converts: large numbers of people accept Islam.
• Key word: “Afwajan” means in big groups.
• Timing: after the victory, people come to Islam and become Muslims.

Third verse: praising and asking forgiveness

Arabic: فَسَبِّحْ بِحَمْدِ رَبِّكَ وَاسْتَغْفِرْ ۚ إِنَّهُ كَانَ تَوَّابًا

Translation: “So glorify the praises of your Lord and ask for His forgiveness. Indeed, He is ever Accepting of repentance”

This verse teaches Prophet Muhammad and all Muslims to do three things:

• Praise Allah: glorify Him and thank Him for the success He gives.
• Ask for forgiveness: say “Astaghfirullah” often.
• Remember His mercy: Allah is always ready to forgive those who repent.

When was Suratul Nasr revealed?

Suratul Nasr was revealed in Madinah near the end of Prophet Muhammad’s life, when Islam was becoming strong.

• Victory: the Prophet conquered Mecca and Islam grew stronger.
• Growth: many people were becoming Muslims in large groups.
• Mood: it was a time of great happiness and success for the Muslim community.
• Hint: the surah also showed that the Prophet’s work was nearly complete.

Why is Suratul Nasr called the “Surah of Farewell”?

Suratul Nasr is sometimes called the “Surah of Farewell” because it was revealed near the end of Prophet Muhammad’s life.

• Timing: it came when the Prophet’s mission was reaching its end.
• Hope: it gives hope that Islam will continue to spread.
• Teaching: it teaches lessons about success, gratitude and faith.
• The Prophet’s practice: Aisha reported that he often said “Subhanaka Allahumma Rabbana wa bihamdika, Allahummaghfir li” in his prayer after this surah came.

What lessons do we learn from Suratul Nasr?

Suratul Nasr teaches three main lessons: trust in Allah’s help, humility after success, and the spread of good.

Allah’s help is always near

• Patience: Allah helps those who are patient and follow His path.
• Source of victory: victory comes from Allah, even though we must still work hard.

Humility after success

• Be humble: when we succeed, we should stay humble and avoid pride.
• Give thanks: we should thank Allah and ask for His forgiveness.
• Example: a student who passes an exam should thank Allah and stay kind to others.

The spread of good

• Quick spread: good things can spread quickly.
• Attraction: people are drawn to truth and kindness.

How should we read Suratul Nasr?

We read Suratul Nasr slowly, carefully and with understanding, following these steps.

1. Begin with “Bismillah”.
2. Read each verse slowly and clearly, as your teacher shows you.
3. Think about the meaning of the words as you read.
4. Be grateful for Allah’s blessings.
5. Repeat the surah until you can read it without mistakes.

Note to students: this surah teaches us to be humble, thankful and to remember Allah, even when we are successful.

Evaluation

1. Which number chapter of the Holy Quran is Suratul Nasr, and how many verses does it have?
2. What do the words “Nasr”, “Fath” and “Afwajan” mean?
3. Write the translation of the first verse.
4. What three things does the third verse teach Muslims to do?
5. Why is Suratul Nasr sometimes called the “Surah of Farewell”?

Assignment

Write out the Arabic text of Suratul Nasr in your exercise book, give the meaning of each verse in your own words, and list three lessons we learn from it. Read the surah aloud at home.