Surah Yasin (alternatively spelled as “Ya-Sin” or “Yaseen”) is the 36th surah (chapter) of the Qur’an. One of the reasons for the immense significance given to this surah is that it sums up many of the basic themes of the Qur’an. It is comprised of 83 verses and divided into 5 sections, each of which discusses a different theme. Let us summarize the message conveyed in Surah Yasin in order to have a firmer grasp of the Qur’an.
The Beginning
The surah commences with two Arabic alphabets: ya and sin. These stand alone as the first verse, and also give the surah its title. According to the renowned translator of the Qur’an, Muhammad Marmaduke Pickthall, these may be meant to signify ya insan (O human) though the confirmed meaning of such verses, which mark the beginning of several Qur’anic chapters, is known to Allah alone.
Section 1 (Verses 1-12)
In the first section of Surah Yasin, Allah consoles Prophet Muhammad ﷺ by declaring that disbelief remains in the world because of Allah’s permission. Many people had rejected faith during the Prophet’s ﷺ time for various reasons: some were too arrogant to believe in the oneness and the supreme majesty of the Creator; others were reluctant to change their lifelong beliefs, rituals and practices; and yet others saw no apparent worldly benefit or motivation in embracing faith.
Allah makes it clear that the Prophet ﷺ was not answerable for such disbelievers; their stubborn rejection of faith was, in fact, Allah’s punishment upon them for their prejudiced dislike of the truth.
“Whether you warn them or you do not warn them, it is alike for them, for they do not believe. You warn only him who follows the Reminder and fears the Beneficent in secret. To him bear tidings of forgiveness and a rich reward.” (Yasin 36:10-11)
Section 2 (Verses 13-32)
In this section, Allah admonishes the disbelievers by narrating the story of a past city that was destroyed by Allah for its evil ways. Although the Qur’an does not mention the name of this city, some scholars believe it might have been Antakya in present-day Turkiye. There is also the opinion that the story is just an example, rather than a historical event.
Either way, Allah sent three prophets simultaneously to this city to convince the people to worship only one God and to submit to His will. However, the people denied them all and threatened them with stoning and a “painful torment”. Among these inhabitants, though, there was an intelligent man who believed in the prophets and set forth a logical argument to convince his people of the truth, declaring:
“For what cause should I not serve Him Who has created me, and to whom you will be brought back? Shall I take gods in place of Him when, should the Beneficent wish me any harm, their intercession will not avail me, nor can they save?” (Yasin 36:22-23)
While this believer was admitted to Paradise by Allah – possibly after being killed by the disbelievers – most people continued in their misguided ways. Allah’s chastisement in the form of a “blast” or “shout” eventually overtook them. There is no permanent refuge for those who are not mindful of Allah and who laugh away His warnings.
Section 3 (Verses 33-50)
Allah then commands us to ponder His signs that we see around us, so that the faith of the believers may be strengthened, and the disbelievers may be brought closer to the truth. His signs include the alternation of the night and the day, the sun and the moon, and their flawless functioning; the sailing of the ships in the oceans; and the exact measure by which everything has been created.
Also read: How YOU can Help the People of Gaza
All such phenomena remind us that there is a Creator of this perfect system; everything is subservient to His command, and functioning according to His decree. Moreover, He has subjected this universe and its contents to be of benefit for us. We should thus be grateful to Him for His immense favours upon us.
“And We have placed therein gardens of the date palm and grapes, and We have caused springs of water to gush forth therein, that they may eat of the fruit thereof, and their hands did not make it. Will they not, then, give thanks?” (Yasin 36:34-35)
In contrast, many people take His blessings for granted; they show ingratitude to Him and refuse to help the poor. They also mockingly ask when the Day of Judgement would come. Their incessant questioning takes the discourse towards a description of the Last Day.
Section 4 (Verses 51-67)
On the Day of Judgement, the “trumpet” will be sounded. Souls will be reunited with their bodies and all people will hurry towards their Lord, crying, “Alas! Who has raised us from our place of sleep?” It will be answered, likely by the angels: “This is what the Beneficent did promise, and the messengers spoke truth.” (Yasin 36:52) It shall then be announced, “This day, no soul is wronged in aught; nor are you repaid except for what you used to do.” (Yasin 36:54)
All humans will be judged according to their faith and deeds, and sorted into groups accordingly. The people of Paradise will be happily occupied. They will be seated on couches in pleasant shade along with their spouses, and shall be provided fruits and all that they ask for. They will be greeted by Allah with ‘Peace’. In contrast, the “guilty ones” will be chastised for following Satan despite knowing that he was their sworn enemy. They will be cast into the very Fire they were warned against.
Section 5 (Verses 68-83)
In the final section, the discussion returns to the signs and favours of Allah:
“He whom We bring to old age, We reverse him in creation (i.e. grant weakness after strength). Have you then no sense?” (Yasin 36:68)
Among Allah’s favors are the livestock that He has made subservient to us. We ride upon them, use them as food, extract milk from them, and derive other benefits from them. However, many people are ungrateful: they worship others besides Allah, dismiss the Qur’an as poetry and deny the Day of Judgement, asking, “Who will revive these bones when they have rotted away?” (Yasin 36:78) Allah gives the reply, “Say: He will revive them Who produced them at the first, for he is the Knower of every creation.” (Yasin 36:79)
In fact, nothing is impossible or even remotely difficult for Allah, and no one has any share in His supreme power:
“But His command, when He intends a thing, is only that He says to it, ‘Be!’ and it is.” (Yasin 36:82)
Conclusion
The surah ends with the following verse:
“Therefore, glory be to Him in Whose Hand is the dominion over all things! To Him you will be brought back.” (Yasin 36:83)
This powerful conclusion not only glorifies Allah, the Sovereign, but also reaffirms His absolute control over all affairs of the universe. It further reminds us about the temporary nature of this life and the inevitability of the Final Hour.
Explore books by the author:
Lessons from the stories of the Quran
Understanding Islam Through its Scriptures
Islam Explained 
mashallah. thank you broz
LikeLiked by 1 person