Surah Al-'Alaq (The Clot)

About Surah Al-'Alaq

Al-’Alaq, “The Clot” or “The Clinging Form”, contains the very first verses of the Quran to be revealed. Its opening command to read or recite in the name of the Lord who created came to the Prophet in the cave of Hira near Mecca. The later part of the surah, revealed afterwards, addresses a man who tried to stop the Prophet from praying.

The first revelation

96:1–5 speak of God who created the human being from a clinging form, who is the Most Generous, who taught by the pen and taught people what they did not know. Sahih al-Bukhari and Sahih Muslim record Aisha’s account of how the angel Gabriel came to the Prophet in Hira, commanded him to recite, and how he returned home trembling to his wife Khadijah. That the first word of revelation is about reading and learning is often highlighted.

The rest of the surah

• Human excess (96:6–8): a person oversteps when he sees himself as self-sufficient, yet the return is to God.
• The one who forbids prayer (96:9–14): a series of questions about a man who tries to stop a servant of God from praying — does he not know that God sees?
• The warning (96:15–18): if he does not stop, he will be seized by the forelock; let him call his supporters.
• The answer (96:19): do not obey him — prostrate and draw near.

Commentators widely identify the man as Abu Jahl; Sahih Muslim reports his threat to trample the Prophet’s neck if he saw him prostrating at the Kaaba. The final verse is a place of prostration of recitation for many scholars, and Sahih Muslim records Abu Hurayrah prostrating with the Prophet in this surah.

Frequently asked questions

What were the first verses of the Quran revealed?

The opening five verses of Surah Al-'Alaq, revealed in the cave of Hira.

Is there a sajdah in Surah Al-'Alaq?

Yes, at verse 19 according to many scholars.

How many verses are in Surah Al-'Alaq?

19.

How many ayahs are in Surah Al-'Alaq?

Surah Al-'Alaq has 19 ayahs. It is surah number 96 in the Quran and is Meccan.

Can I read Surah Al-'Alaq in English or save it as a PDF?

Yes. This page shows the Arabic text of every ayah with the Saheeh International English meaning under it. Use “Print / Save as PDF” for a clean printable copy that you can save as a PDF file from your browser.

Is Surah Al-'Alaq the same as Surah Alaq?

Yes. Alaq, Iqra and Al-'Alaq are different English spellings of the same surah name, العلق.

Summaries describe the surah’s content and commonly cited reports for general readers; they are not a tafsir or a religious ruling.