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Surah Al-A’raaf is the 7th Surah of the Holy Qur’an, revealed in Makkah, consisting of 206 verses. The term "Al-A’raaf" (الأعراف) comes from the Arabic root ‘ʿarafa’ meaning “to know” or “heights.” It refers to a raised partition or barrier between Jannah (Paradise) and Jahannam (Hell) that will exist on the Day of Judgment. This name is taken from verse 46 of the Surah, where Allah describes people being stationed on these heights.
According to Islamic teachings, A’raaf is a special place where individuals whose good and bad deeds are equal will temporarily reside. They will recognize the people of Paradise and Hell by their marks, as mentioned in the Qur’an:
“And between them will be a partition, and on the heights will be men who recognize all by their marks...” (Qur’an 7:46)
These people will be able to speak to the dwellers of both Paradise and Hell. They will see the blessings of Jannah and long to enter, but will also see the torment of Jahannam and seek refuge from it. Eventually, by Allah’s mercy, it is believed they will enter Paradise.
The name Surah Al-A’raaf thus emphasizes the concept of divine justice, accountability, and the balanced scales of deeds. It reminds believers that even the smallest deeds matter and that salvation is determined not by lineage, wealth, or worldly status, but by the weight of one’s faith and actions.
This Surah covers several themes:
Stories of past nations who rejected prophets (such as the people of Nuh, Hud, Salih, Shu’aib, and Musa).
Warnings about arrogance and disobedience.
The certainty of the Day of Judgment.
In short, the meaning of Surah Al-A’raaf is "The Heights" — a symbolic borderland between Heaven and Hell, serving as a reminder of Allah’s ultimate justice and mercy.
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