Surah Al-A'raf is the seventh surah in the order of the Mushaf. It is a Makkan surah and one of the seven long surahs (As-Sab’ At-Tiwal), consisting of 206 verses. The surah derives its name from the mention of Al-A’raf (the Heights) in the verse:
“And on the Heights will be men who recognize all by their marks...” (Surah Al-A'raf: 46)
According to Ibn Abbas and Ibn Al-Zubayr, the entire surah was revealed in Makkah. However, some scholars have excluded eight verses (from 7:163 to 7:170), which begin with:
“And ask them about the town that was situated by the sea...”
Others have also included the following verse:
“And [recall] when We raised the mountain above them as if it was a canopy...” (Surah Al-A'raf: 171)
If counted, these Medinan verses would total nine.
Surah Al-A'raf follows Surah Al-An'am, which concludes with:
“And He it is Who has made you successors upon the earth...” (Surah Al-An'am: 165)
Surah Al-A'raf expands on this theme by narrating the story of Adam (the first vicegerent on Earth). It further recounts the histories of Noah, Hud (to the people of ‘Ad), Salih (to the people of Thamud), and other prophets, drawing lessons from their experiences.
Both Surah Al-An’am and Surah Al-A’raf share the Makkan context, emphasizing the rejection of polytheism and the abandonment of pagan traditions.
The surah invites people to believe in:
✅ Allah 🏵️
✅ His Angels 👼
✅ His Books 📜