الرعد
Ar Rad
Verses
43
Revelation
Madani
Period
Early Madinan
Surah No.
13 / 114
Ar-Ra'd is a surah of theological arguments, presenting evidence for monotheism through the signs of nature: rain, thunder, lightning, rivers, and the night and day. It addresses the Quraysh's demand for a miraculous sign and explains why the Quran itself is the greatest miracle. The thunder is presented as a divine voice glorifying Allah. The surah contains one of the most famous verses on the nature of change.
أسباب النزول
Scholars differ on whether this surah is Makki or Madani, with the majority leaning toward a Madinan origin with some Makkan verses. Several verses were revealed in response to those who demanded the Prophet bring a sign or miracle. Verse 31 addresses the demand: "Even if there were a Quran by which mountains were moved..." The famous verse 13:11 on self-change was revealed in response to questions about why the condition of believers fluctuates.
“Indeed, Allah will not change the condition of a people until they change what is in themselves.”
One of the most cited Quranic principles in Islamic social thought. This verse was revealed to establish that divine favour and divine wrath are both connected to the spiritual and moral condition a community cultivates in itself.
“Verily, in the remembrance of Allah do hearts find rest.”
This verse is the Quran's most direct statement on the spiritual psychology of tranquillity. It was revealed as a response to the question of what brings peace to the human heart.