What chapter(s) and verses are included in Juz’ 8?:
The eighth juz’ of the Qur’an contains parts of two chapters of the Quran: the last part of Surah Al-An'am (from verse 111) and the first part of Surah Al-A'raf (to verse 87).
When were the verses of this juz’ revealed?:
The first part of this juz', Surah Al-An'am, was revealed in Makkah prior to the migration to Madinah. After discussion of earlier revelations and relationships with People of the Book, the argument turns to paganism, and the pagans' rejection of the Unity of Allah.
Select Quotations:
- "Say, 'Come, I will recite to you what Allah has really prohibited: Do not join anything with Him. Be good to your parents. Do not kill your children on a plea of want - We provide sustenance for you and for them. Do not approach indecent deeds, whether open or secret. Do not take life, which Allah has made sacred, except by way of justice and law. Thus does He command you, that you may learn wisdom... And do not approach an orphan's property except to improve it... Whenever you speak, speak justly, even if a near relative is concerned." 6:151-152
- "As for those who divide their religion and break it up into sects, you have no part of them in the least. Their affair is with Allah. He will, in the end, tell them the truth of all that they did." 6:159
- "Oh Children of Adam! Wear your beautiful apparel at every time and place of prayer. Eat and drink, but waste not by excess, for Allah loves not the wasters." 7:31
- "Call on your Lord with humility and in private, for Allah loves not those who trespass beyond bounds. Do not make mischief on the earth, after it has been set in order, but all on Him with fear and longing in your hearts. For the Mercy of Allah is always near to those who do good." 7:55-56
What is the main theme of this juz’?:
Sura Al-An'am continues with a reminder that believers should avoid people who are stubborn and rebellious. They may seem successful in some areas of this life, but they will receive their due punishment from Allah on the Day of Judgment. Even if they were to see the most incredible of miracles, they would not be convinced of the Truth.
Allah has sent a series of Messengers with the Truth. He promises that He would not destroy a people without first giving them a chance to believe, a warning brought by a Messenger (6:131). Throughout the Quran, and here, warnings are addressed specifically to pagans. They ascribe "partners" with Allah and create traditions and rituals with no basis in faith: "...forging lies against Allah. They have indeed gone astray and heeded no guidance" (6:140). There is also a specific warning against those who "break up their religion into sects" (6:159).
Despite all the pessimism and superstitions of the unbelievers, Allah's decrees will come to pass. Muslims are advised to always follow the Straight Way of Allah with full dedication.
Continuing this theme in Surah A'raf, the reader is reminded of previous generations of prophets who faced the same difficulties as the Prophet Muhammad and his followers. The stories of several prophets are told: Adam, Noah, Hud, Saleh, Lot, and Shu'aib. They were all initially resisted and rejected, but in the end the truth prevailed. We would be wise to learn from the past.
A comprehensive list of where each juz of the Quran starts and ends...useful for keeping track of your memorisation and Ramadan recitation!
Juz’ 1 – Al Fatiha 1 – Al Baqarah 141
Juz’ 2 – Al Baqarah 142 - Al Baqarah 252
Juz’ 3 – Al Baqarah 253 - Al Imran 92
Juz’ 4 – Al Imran 93 - An Nisaa 23
Juz’ 5 – An Nisaa 24 - An Nisaa 147
Juz’ 6 – An Nisaa 148 - Al Ma’idah 81
Juz’ 7 – Al Ma’idah 82 - Al An’am 110
Juz’ 8 – Al An’am 111 - Al A’raf 87
Juz’ 9 – Al A’raf 88 - Al Anfal 40
Juz’ 10 – Al Anfal 41 - At Tauba 92
Juz’ 11 – At Tauba 93 - Hud 5
Juz’ 12 – Hud 6 - Yusuf 52
Juz’ 13 – Yusuf 53 – Ibrahim 52
Juz’ 14 – Al Hijr 1 – An Nahl 128
Juz’ 15 – Bani Isra’il 1 - Al Kahf 74
Juz’ 16 – Al Kahf 75 – Ta Ha 135
Juz’ 17 – Al Anbiyaa 1 - Al Hajj 78
Juz’ 18 – Al Muminun 1 - Al Furqan 20
Juz’ 19 – Al Furqan 21 - An Naml 55
Juz’ 20 – An Naml 56 - Al Ankabut 45
Juz’ 21 – Al Ankabut 46 - Al Ahzab 30
Juz’ 22 – Al Ahzab 31 - Ya Sin 27
Juz’ 23 – Ya Sin 28 - Az Zumar 31
Juz’ 24 – Az Zumar 32 - Fussilat 46
Juz’ 25 – Fussilat 47 - Al Jathiya 37
Juz’ 26 – Al Ahqaf 1 - Az Zariyat 30
Juz’ 27 – Az Zariyat 31 - Al Hadid 29
Juz’ 28 – Al Mujadila 1 – At Tahrim 12
Juz’ 29 – Al Mulk 1 - Al Mursalat 50
Juz’ 30 – An Nabaa 1 - An Nas 6