Revealed during the late Makkan period as the persecution of Muslims reached a tipping point, Surah Al-'Ankabut (The Spider) addresses the profound reality of trials, opening with the crucial question of whether people expect to declare belief without being tested. It comforts the believers by showcasing that testing is a universal divine law, pointing to the trials faced by past prophets like Noah, Abraham, Lot, and Moses. The Surah takes its name from its striking metaphor comparing the fragile, temporary web of a spider to the false security sought by those who take protectors other than God, reminding humanity that worldly support systems built on disbelief will inevitably collapse. It commands the believers to remain steadfast, perform regular prayer to ward off evil, and migrate if their homeland prevents them from worshiping their Lord, ending with a powerful promise that those who strive in the path of God will be guided to His straight paths.
Transliteration
Aliflammeem
Translation
Alif, Lam, Meem
These three disjointed letters ('Alif-Lam-Mim') are Huruf Muqatta'at, whose ultimate secrets belong to Allah. They introduce a chapter focused on tests of faith, demonstrating the divine authority of the Quran.
Transliteration
Ahasiba alnnasu an yutrakoo an yaqooloo amanna wahum la yuftanoona
Translation
Have the people supposed that they will be left alone to say, “We believe,” without being put to the test
Revealed in Mecca when early believers were enduring brutal physical torture and economic boycotts. It reminds believers that merely proclaiming faith with words is insufficient; genuine conviction is tested and refined through life's trials and adversities.
Transliteration
Walaqad fatanna allatheena min qablihim falayaAAlamanna Allahu allatheena sadaqoo walayaAAlamanna alkathibeena
Translation
We have tested those before them. God will surely know the truthful, and He will surely know the liars
Transliteration
Am hasiba allatheena yaAAmaloona alssayyiati an yasbiqoona saa ma yahkumoona
Translation
Or do those who commit sins think they can fool Us? Terrible is their opinion
Transliteration
Man kana yarjoo liqaa Allahi fainna ajala Allahi laatin wahuwa alssameeAAu alAAaleemu
Translation
Whoever looks forward to the meeting with God—the appointed time of God is coming. He is the All-Hearing, the All-Knowing
Transliteration
Waman jahada fainnama yujahidu linafsihi inna Allaha laghaniyyun AAani alAAalameena
Translation
Whoever strives, strives only for himself. God is Independent of the beings
Transliteration
Waallatheena amanoo waAAamiloo alssalihati lanukaffiranna AAanhum sayyiatihim walanajziyannahum ahsana allathee kanoo yaAAmaloona
Translation
Those who believe and do righteous deeds—We will remit their sins, and We will reward them according to the best of what they used to do
Transliteration
Wawassayna alinsana biwalidayhi husnan wain jahadaka litushrika bee ma laysa laka bihi AAilmun fala tutiAAhuma ilayya marjiAAukum faonabbiokum bima kuntum taAAmaloona
Translation
We have advised the human being to be good to his parents. But if they urge you to associate with Me something you have no knowledge of, do not obey them. To Me is your return; and I will inform you of what you used to do
Revealed regarding the noble companion Sa'd ibn Abi Waqqas. When he embraced Islam, his mother launched a hunger strike, swearing she would starve to death unless he renounced his faith. God commanded that while parents must always be treated with love and kindness, one cannot obey anyone in matters of religious idolatry.
Transliteration
Waallatheena amanoo waAAamiloo alssalihati lanudkhilannahum fee alssaliheena
Translation
Those who believe and do good works—We will admit them into the company of the righteous
Transliteration
Wamina alnnasi man yaqoolu amanna biAllahi faitha oothiya fee Allahi jaAAala fitnata alnnasi kaAAathabi Allahi walain jaa nasrun min rabbika layaqoolunna inna kunna maAAakum awalaysa Allahu biaAAlama bima fee sudoori alAAalameena
Translation
Among the people is he who says, “We have believed in God.” Yet when he is harmed on God’s account, he equates the people's persecution with God’s retribution. And if help comes from your Lord, he says, “We were actually with you.” Is not God aware of what is inside the hearts of the people
Exposes shallow faith: describes individuals who embrace faith when life is convenient, but at the first sign of social opposition or persecution, they panic and flee, treating worldly discomfort as if it were the eternal punishment of God.
Transliteration
WalayaAAlamanna Allahu allatheena amanoo walayaAAlamanna almunafiqeena
Translation
God certainly knows those who believe, and He certainly knows the hypocrites
Transliteration
Waqala allatheena kafaroo lillatheena amanoo ittabiAAoo sabeelana walnahmil khatayakum wama hum bihamileena min khatayahum min shayin innahum lakathiboona
Translation
Those who disbelieve say to those who believe, “Follow our way, and we will carry your sins.” In no way can they carry any of their sins. They are liars
Transliteration
Walayahmilunna athqalahum waathqalan maAAa athqalihim walayusalunna yawma alqiyamati AAamma kanoo yaftaroona
Translation
They will carry their own loads, and other loads with their own. And they will be questioned on the Day of Resurrection concerning what they used to fabricate
Transliteration
Walaqad arsalna noohan ila qawmihi falabitha feehim alfa sanatin illa khamseena AAaman faakhathahumu alttoofanu wahum thalimoona
Translation
We sent Noah to his people, and He stayed among them for a thousand years minus fifty years. Then the Deluge swept them; for they were wrongdoers
Notes that Prophet Noah (Nuh) tirelessly preached monotheism to his defiant people for 950 years, enduring nearly a millennium of mockery before the Great Deluge occurred.
Transliteration
Faanjaynahu waashaba alssafeenati wajaAAalnaha ayatan lilAAalameena
Translation
But We saved him, together with the company of the Ark, and We made it a sign for all peoples
Transliteration
Waibraheema ith qala liqawmihi oAAbudoo Allaha waittaqoohu thalikum khayrun lakum in kuntum taAAlamoona
Translation
And Abraham, when he said to his people, “Worship God, and fear Him. That is better for you, if you only knew
Transliteration
Innama taAAbudoona min dooni Allahi awthanan watakhluqoona ifkan inna allatheena taAAbudoona min dooni Allahi la yamlikoona lakum rizqan faibtaghoo AAinda Allahi alrrizqa waoAAbudoohu waoshkuroo lahu ilayhi turjaAAoona
Translation
You worship idols besides God, and you fabricate falsehoods. Those you worship, instead of God, cannot provide you with livelihood. So seek your livelihood from God, and worship Him, and thank Him. To Him you will be returned.”
Transliteration
Wain tukaththiboo faqad kaththaba omamun min qablikum wama AAala alrrasooli illa albalaghu almubeenu
Translation
If you disbelieve, communities before you have also disbelieved. The Messenger is only responsible for clear transmission
Transliteration
Awalam yaraw kayfa yubdio Allahu alkhalqa thumma yuAAeeduhu inna thalika AAala Allahi yaseerun
Translation
Have they not seen how God originates the creation, and then reproduces it? This is easy for God
Transliteration
Qul seeroo fee alardi faonthuroo kayfa badaa alkhalqa thumma Allahu yunshio alnnashata alakhirata inna Allaha AAala kulli shayin qadeerun
Translation
Say, “Roam the earth, and observe how He originated the creation.” Then God will bring about the next existence. God has power over all things.”
Transliteration
YuAAaththibu man yashao wayarhamu man yashao wailayhi tuqlaboona
Translation
He punishes whom He wills, and He grants mercy to whom He wills, and to Him you will be restored
Transliteration
Wama antum bimuAAjizeena fee alardi wala fee alssamai wama lakum min dooni Allahi min waliyyin wala naseerin
Translation
You cannot escape, on earth or in the heaven; and you have no protector and no savior besides God
Transliteration
Waallatheena kafaroo biayati Allahi waliqaihi olaika yaisoo min rahmatee waolaika lahum AAathabun aleemun
Translation
Those who disbelieved in God’s signs and His encounter—these have despaired of My mercy. For them is a painful torment
Transliteration
Fama kana jawaba qawmihi illa an qaloo oqtuloohu aw harriqoohu faanjahu Allahu mina alnnari inna fee thalika laayatin liqawmin yuminoona
Translation
But the only response from his people was their saying, “Kill him, or burn him.” But God saved him from the fire. Surely in that are signs for people who believe
Transliteration
Waqala innama ittakhathtum min dooni Allahi awthanan mawaddata baynikum fee alhayati alddunya thumma yawma alqiyamati yakfuru baAAdukum bibaAAdin wayalAAanu baAAdukum baAAdan wamawakumu alnnaru wama lakum min nasireena
Translation
And he said, “You have chosen idols instead of God, out of affection for one another in the worldly life. But then, on the Day of Resurrection, you will disown one another, and curse one another. Your destiny is Hell, and you will have no saviors.”
Transliteration
Faamana lahu lootun waqala innee muhajirun ila rabbee innahu huwa alAAazeezu alhakeemu
Translation
Then Lot believed in him, and said, “I am emigrating to my Lord. He is the Noble, the Wise.”
Transliteration
Wawahabna lahu ishaqa wayaAAqooba wajaAAalna fee thurriyyatihi alnnubuwwata waalkitaba waataynahu ajrahu fee alddunya wainnahu fee alakhirati lamina alssaliheena
Translation
And We granted him Isaac and Jacob, and conferred on his descendants the Prophethood and the Book, and gave him his reward in this life; and in the Hereafter he will be among the upright
Transliteration
Walootan ith qala liqawmihi innakum latatoona alfahishata ma sabaqakum biha min ahadin mina alAAalameena
Translation
And Lot, when he said to his people, “You are committing an obscenity not perpetrated before you by anyone in the whole world
Transliteration
Ainnakum latatoona alrrijala wataqtaAAoona alssabeela watatoona fee nadeekumu almunkara fama kana jawaba qawmihi illa an qaloo itina biAAathabi Allahi in kunta mina alssadiqeena
Translation
You approach men, and cut off the way, and commit lewdness in your gatherings.” But the only response from his people was to say, “Bring upon us God’s punishment, if you are truthful.”
Transliteration
Qala rabbi onsurnee AAala alqawmi almufsideena
Translation
He said, “My Lord, help me against the people of corruption.”
Transliteration
Walamma jaat rusuluna ibraheema bialbushra qaloo inna muhlikoo ahli hathihi alqaryati inna ahlaha kanoo thalimeena
Translation
And when Our envoys brought Abraham the good news, they said, “We are going to destroy the people of this town; its people are wrongdoers.”
Transliteration
Qala inna feeha lootan qaloo nahnu aAAlamu biman feeha lanunajjiyannahu waahlahu illa imraatahu kanat mina alghabireena
Translation
He said, “Yet Lot is in it.” They said, “We are well aware of who is in it. We will save him, and his family, except for his wife, who will remain behind.”
Transliteration
Walamma an jaat rusuluna lootan seea bihim wadaqa bihim tharAAan waqaloo la takhaf wala tahzan inna munajjooka waahlaka illa imraataka kanat mina alghabireena
Translation
Then, when Our envoys came to Lot, they were mistreated, and he was troubled and distressed on their account. They said, “Do not fear, nor grieve. We will save you and your family, except for your wife, who will remain behind.”
Transliteration
Inna munziloona AAala ahli hathihi alqaryati rijzan mina alssamai bima kanoo yafsuqoona
Translation
“We will bring down upon the people of this town a scourge from heaven, because of their wickedness.”
Transliteration
Walaqad tarakna minha ayatan bayyinatan liqawmin yaAAqiloona
Translation
And We left behind a clear trace of it, for people who understand
Transliteration
Waila madyana akhahum shuAAayban faqala ya qawmi oAAbudoo Allaha waorjoo alyawma alakhira wala taAAthaw fee alardi mufsideena
Translation
And to Median, their brother Shuaib. He said, “O my people, worship God and anticipate the Last Day, and do not spread corruption in the land.”
Transliteration
Fakaththaboohu faakhathathumu alrrajfatu faasbahoo fee darihim jathimeena
Translation
But they rejected him, so the tremor overtook them, and they were left motionless in their homes
Transliteration
WaAAadan wathamooda waqad tabayyana lakum min masakinihim wazayyana lahumu alshshaytanu aAAmalahum fasaddahum AAani alssabeeli wakanoo mustabsireena
Translation
And Aad and Thamood. It has become clear to you from their dwellings. Satan embellished for them their deeds, barring them from the path, even though they could see
Transliteration
Waqaroona wafirAAawna wahamana walaqad jaahum moosa bialbayyinati faistakbaroo fee alardi wama kanoo sabiqeena
Translation
And Quaroon, and Pharaoh, and Hamaan—Moses went to them with clear arguments, but they acted arrogantly in the land. And they could not get ahead
Transliteration
Fakullan akhathna bithanbihi faminhum man arsalna AAalayhi hasiban waminhum man akhathathu alssayhatu waminhum man khasafna bihi alarda waminhum man aghraqna wama kana Allahu liyathlimahum walakin kanoo anfusahum yathlimoona
Translation
Each We seized by his sin. Against some We sent a sandstorm. Some were struck by the Blast. Some We caused the ground to cave in beneath them. And some We drowned. It was not God who wronged them, but it was they who wronged their own selves
Transliteration
Mathalu allatheena ittakhathoo min dooni Allahi awliyaa kamathali alAAankabooti ittakhathat baytan wainna awhana albuyooti labaytu alAAankabooti law kanoo yaAAlamoona
Translation
The likeness of those who take to themselves protectors other than God is that of the spider. It builds a house. But the most fragile of houses is the spider’s house. If they only knew
The Parable of the Spider's Web: relies on false gods, status, or wealth for ultimate security is compared to relying on a spider's web. Structurally, a web provides no shelter against heat, rain, or physical threat, and socially, the spider's home is often predatory, with females devouring their mates.
Transliteration
Inna Allaha yaAAlamu ma yadAAoona min doonihi min shayin wahuwa alAAazeezu alhakeemu
Translation
God knows what they invoke besides Him. He is the Almighty, the Wise
Transliteration
Watilka alamthalu nadribuha lilnnasi wama yaAAqiluha illa alAAalimoona
Translation
These examples—We put them forward to the people; but none grasps them except the learned
Transliteration
Khalaqa Allahu alssamawati waalarda bialhaqqi inna fee thalika laayatan lilmumineena
Translation
God created the heavens and the earth with truth. Surely in that is a sign for the believers
Transliteration
Otlu ma oohiya ilayka mina alkitabi waaqimi alssalata inna alssalata tanha AAani alfahshai waalmunkari walathikru Allahi akbaru waAllahu yaAAlamu ma tasnaAAoona
Translation
Recite what is revealed to you of the Scripture, and perform the prayer. The prayer prevents indecencies and evils. And the remembrance of God is greater. And God knows what you do
Defines the spiritual shield of daily prayer (Salah): when performed with sincere mindfulness, regular prayer actively restructures a believer's psychology, serving as a powerful moral deterrent against shameful and unjust behavior.
Transliteration
Wala tujadiloo ahla alkitabi illa biallatee hiya ahsanu illa allatheena thalamoo minhum waqooloo amanna biallathee onzila ilayna waonzila ilaykum wailahuna wailahukum wahidun wanahnu lahu muslimoona
Translation
And do not argue with the People of the Scripture except in the best manner possible, except those who do wrong among them. And say, “We believe in what was revealed to us, and in what was revealed to you; and our God and your God is One; and to Him we are submissive.”
Sets the etiquette of interfaith dialogue: Muslims are instructed to debate with Jews and Christians using the most courteous, respectful language, emphasizing their shared Abrahamic monotheism and common divine heritage.
Transliteration
Wakathalika anzalna ilayka alkitaba faallatheena ataynahumu alkitaba yuminoona bihi wamin haolai man yuminu bihi wama yajhadu biayatina illa alkafiroona
Translation
Likewise, We revealed to you the Scripture. Those to whom We gave the Scripture believe in it, and some of these believe in it. None renounce Our communications except the disbelievers
Transliteration
Wama kunta tatloo min qablihi min kitabin wala takhuttuhu biyameenika ithan lairtaba almubtiloona
Translation
You did not read any scripture before this, nor did you write it down with your right hand; otherwise the falsifiers would have doubted
Highlights the historic fact that the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ was completely unlettered ('Ummi')—unable to read or write prior to receiving the Quran. This historical reality refutes critics who claimed he plagiarized ancient manuscripts.
Transliteration
Bal huwa ayatun bayyinatun fee sudoori allatheena ootoo alAAilma wama yajhadu biayatina illa alththalimoona
Translation
In fact, it is clear signs in the hearts of those given knowledge. No one renounce Our signs except the unjust
Transliteration
Waqaloo lawla onzila AAalayhi ayatun min rabbihi qul innama alayatu AAinda Allahi wainnama ana natheerun mubeenun
Translation
And they said, “If only a miracle from his Lord was sent down to him.” Say, “Miracles are only with God, and I am only a clear warner.”
Transliteration
Awalam yakfihim anna anzalna AAalayka alkitaba yutla AAalayhim inna fee thalika larahmatan wathikra liqawmin yuminoona
Translation
Does it not suffice them that We revealed to you the Scripture, which is recited to them? In that is mercy and a reminder for people who believe
Transliteration
Qul kafa biAllahi baynee wabaynakum shaheedan yaAAlamu ma fee alssamawati waalardi waallatheena amanoo bialbatili wakafaroo biAllahi olaika humu alkhasiroona
Translation
Say, “God suffices as witness between you and me. He knows everything in the heavens and the Earth. Those who believe in vanity and reject God—it is they who are the losers.”
Transliteration
WayastaAAjiloonaka bialAAathabi walawla ajalun musamman lajaahumu alAAathabu walayatiyannahum baghtatan wahum la yashAAuroona
Translation
And they urge you to hasten the punishment. Were it not for a specified time, the punishment would have come to them. But it will come upon them suddenly, while they are unaware
Transliteration
YastaAAjiloonaka bialAAathabi wainna jahannama lamuheetatun bialkafireena
Translation
They urge you to hasten the punishment. But Hell will engulf the disbelievers
Transliteration
Yawma yaghshahumu alAAathabu min fawqihim wamin tahti arjulihim wayaqoolu thooqoo ma kuntum taAAmaloona
Translation
On the Day when the punishment will envelop them, from above them, and from beneath their feet, He will say, “Taste what you used to do!”
Transliteration
Ya AAibadiya allatheena amanoo inna ardee wasiAAatun faiyyaya faoAAbudooni
Translation
O My servants who have believed: My earth is vast, so worship Me alone
Transliteration
Kullu nafsin thaiqatu almawti thumma ilayna turjaAAoona
Translation
Every soul will taste death. Then to Us you will be returned
Transliteration
Waallatheena amanoo waAAamiloo alssalihati lanubawwiannahum mina aljannati ghurafan tajree min tahtiha alanharu khalideena feeha niAAma ajru alAAamileena
Translation
Those who believe and work righteousness—We will settle them in Paradise, in mansions under which rivers flow, dwelling therein forever. Excellent is the compensation for the workers
Transliteration
Allatheena sabaroo waAAala rabbihim yatawakkaloona
Translation
Those who endure patiently, and in their Lord they trust
Transliteration
Wakaayyin min dabbatin la tahmilu rizqaha Allahu yarzuquha waiyyakum wahuwa alssameeAAu alAAaleemu
Translation
How many a creature there is that does not carry its provision? God provides for them, and for you. He is the Hearer, the Knowledgeable
Transliteration
Walain saaltahum man khalaqa alssamawati waalarda wasakhkhara alshshamsa waalqamara layaqoolunna Allahu faanna yufakoona
Translation
And if you asked them, “Who created the heavens and the earth and regulated the sun and the moon?” They would say, “God.” Why then do they deviate
Transliteration
Allahu yabsutu alrrizqa liman yashao min AAibadihi wayaqdiru lahu inna Allaha bikulli shayin AAaleemun
Translation
God expands the provision for whomever He wills of His servants, and restricts it. God is Cognizant of all things
Transliteration
Walain saaltahum man nazzala mina alssamai maan faahya bihi alarda min baAAdi mawtiha layaqoolunna Allahu quli alhamdu lillahi bal aktharuhum la yaAAqiloona
Translation
And if you asked them, “Who sends water down from the sky, with which He revives the earth after it had died?” They would say, “God.” Say, “Praise be to God.” But most of them do not understand
Transliteration
Wama hathihi alhayatu alddunya illa lahwun walaAAibun wainna alddara alakhirata lahiya alhayawanu law kanoo yaAAlamoona
Translation
The life of this world is nothing but diversion and play, and the Home of the Hereafter is the Life, if they only knew
Transliteration
Faitha rakiboo fee alfulki daAAawoo Allaha mukhliseena lahu alddeena falamma najjahum ila albarri itha hum yushrikoona
Translation
When they embark on a vessel, they pray to God, devoting their faith to Him; but once He has delivered them safely to land, they attribute partners to Him
Transliteration
Liyakfuroo bima ataynahum waliyatamattaAAoo fasawfa yaAAlamoona
Translation
To be ungrateful for what We have given them, and to enjoy themselves. They will surely come to know
Transliteration
Awalam yaraw anna jaAAalna haraman aminan wayutakhattafu alnnasu min hawlihim afabialbatili yuminoona wabiniAAmati Allahi yakfuroona
Translation
Do they not see that We established a Secure Sanctuary, while all around them the people are being carried away? Do they believe in falsehood, and reject the blessings of God
Transliteration
Waman athlamu mimmani iftara AAala Allahi kathiban aw kaththaba bialhaqqi lamma jaahu alaysa fee jahannama mathwan lilkafireena
Translation
And who does greater wrong than he who fabricates lies and attributes them to God, or calls the truth a lie when it has come to him? Is there not in Hell a dwelling for the blasphemers
Transliteration
Waallatheena jahadoo feena lanahdiyannahum subulana wainna Allaha lamaAAa almuhsineena
Translation
As for those who strive for Us—We will guide them in Our ways. God is with the doers of good
The concluding divine guarantee: whoever sincerely strives and perseveres in seeking God's pleasure ('Jahadu fina'), God will personally open and illuminate pathways of guidance and spiritual peace for them.