Surah Ad-Duha (الضُّحَى), meaning “The Morning Brightness” or “The Morning Hours,” is the 93rd chapter of the Holy Quran[1][2]. Consisting of 11 verses, this Makkan surah was revealed during a period of immense sadness and trial for the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him)[2][3].
Below, you will find the complete text of Surah Ad-Duha in Arabic script, Roman English transliteration for pronunciation, and English translation for understanding[4].
Surah Ad-Duha Text & Transliteration
Bismillahir Rahmanir Raheem
In the name of Allah, the Entirely Merciful, the Especially Merciful.
| Verse | Arabic Text | Roman English Transliteration | English Translation (Sahih International) |
| 1 | وَالضُّحَىٰ | Wad Duhaa | By the morning brightness[5], |
| 2 | وَاللَّيْلِ إِذَا سَجَىٰ | Wal Laili Iza Sajaa | And [by] the night when it covers with darkness, |
| 3 | مَا وَدَّعَكَ رَبُّكَ وَمَا قَلَىٰ | Ma Wad Da’aka Rabbuka Wa Ma Qalaa | Your Lord has not taken leave of you, [O Muhammad], nor has He detested [you]. |
| 4 | وَلَلْآخِرَةُ خَيْرٌ لَّكَ مِنَ الْأُولَىٰ | Walal-Aakhiratu Khairul Laka Minal-Oola | And the Hereafter is better for you than the first [life]. |
| 5 | وَلَسَوْفَ يُعْطِيكَ رَبُّكَ فَتَرْضَىٰ | Wa La Sawfa Y’uteeka Rabbuka Fatarda | And your Lord is going to give you, and you will be satisfied. |
| 6 | أَلَمْ يَجِدْكَ يَتِيمًا فَآوَىٰ | Alam Ya Jidka Yateeman Fa Aawaa | Did He not find you an orphan and give [you] refuge? |
| 7 | وَوَجَدَكَ ضَالًّا فَهَدَىٰ | Wa Wa Jadaka Daal Lan Fahada | And He found you lost and guided [you], |
| 8 | وَوَجَدَكَ عَائِلًا فَأَغْنَىٰ | Wa Wa Jadaka ‘Aa-Ilan Fa Aghnaa | And He found you poor and made [you] self-sufficient. |
| 9 | فَأَمَّا الْيَتِيمَ فَلَا تَقْهَرْ | Fa Am Mal Yateema Fala Taqhar | So as for the orphan, do not oppress [him]. |
| 10 | وَأَمَّا السَّائِلَ فَلَا تَنْهَرْ | Wa Am Mas Saa-Ila Fala Tanhar | And as for the petitioner, do not repel [him]. |
| 11 | وَأَمَّا بِنِعْمَةِ رَبِّكَ فَحَدِّثْ | Wa Amma Bi Ni’mati Rabbika Fahad Dith | But as for the favor of your Lord, report [it]. |
Context and Background of Surah Ad-Duha
To fully appreciate Surah Ad-Duha, it is helpful to understand the circumstances under which it was revealed[1]:
- The Pause in Revelation (Fatrah al-Wahy): Shortly after the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) began receiving divine messages, the revelations temporarily stopped for a period[2]. During this time, the disbelievers of Makkah mocked him, claiming that Allah had abandoned or hated him[2][3].
- The Distress: The silence weighed heavily on the Prophet’s heart, causing him emotional distress[2].
- The Divine Comfort: In response, Allah revealed Surah Ad-Duha to reassure him that He had neither forsaken nor disliked him[2][3]. It serves as a reminder that the light of dawn always follows the darkness of night[5][6].
Spiritual Benefits of Surah Ad-Duha
Reciting and reflecting on Surah Ad-Duha provides several spiritual benefits for believers[1]:
- Overcoming Hopelessness and Sadness: It serves as a powerful reminder that tough times are temporary[7] and that Allah’s mercy is always near[2].
- Cultivating Gratitude: Verses 6 to 8 remind the reader of how Allah provides shelter, guidance, and sufficiency in moments of vulnerability[4][8].
- Encouraging Kindness: The concluding verses emphasize the ethical treatment of orphans, the needy, and expressing gratitude for Allah’s blessings[4][8].
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What does “Ad-Duha” mean?
“Ad-Duha” translates to “The Morning Brightness” or “The Early Morning Hours” when the sun has risen[3].
When should we recite Surah Ad-Duha?
While you can recite this Surah during any of your five daily prayers, it is also highly beneficial to recite and ponder over its meaning during times of anxiety, sadness, or feeling lost[2][6].
Where was Surah Ad-Duha revealed?
Surah Ad-Duha is a Makkan Surah, meaning it was revealed to the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) in the city of Makkah before the migration (Hijrah) to Madinah[3][4].