Presentation about the meaning of Surat Al-Masad explaining the story behind the revelation and why Abu Lahab was cursed in the Quran. For a free digital copy and worksheets, DM quran4kidz on Instagram.

1. Surat Al-Masad
Created by : Banan Mahmaljy Obeid

2. For the first 3 years after Revelation, Prophet Muhammad (S) spread Islam in secret
to select people. His wife, Khadija (RA), his 4 daughters (RA), his cousin Ali (RA), and
his best friend Abu Bakr (RA), were among the first Muslims.
When the Muslims gained 200 followers, the Prophet decided they were strong
enough to go public with their message.
The Prophet (S) stood on the mountain of Safa in front of the K’aba as the people
worshipped their idols. He called for everyone to come forward, and announced his
Prophethood. Have I ever lied
to you
before?
I am Messenger of Allah sent
to you. Worship Allah alone
and leave your idols.

3. “Curse you! Tabban Laka!
Is this why you gathered us here today?”
Abu Lahab bent down, grabbed a handful of
dirt, and threw it in the direction of
the Prophet (S).
From that day on, Abu Lahab was a strong
enemy of the Prophet who caused him
much pain.
Abu Lahab, was among the people in the
crowd. His real name was Abdul Uzza, but
people called him “father of the flames”
because he had a hot temper!!
Abu Lahab stood before the crowd and
cursed his own nephew:

4. The Prophet (S) did not respond to this insult.
After the Prophet (S) came down from the mountain, Angel Jibreel came to him
with Surat Al-Masad, in which Allah (SWT) curses Abu Lahab in response to the
way he cursed the Prophet (S) in front of the entire city.
These Ayat will be in the Quran for everyone to read until the Day of Judgment!
The meaning of “his hands” is “his actions”.
After Abu Lahab heard this Ayah, he laughed, look at his hands, and
sacrastically said:
“I don’t see anything on my hands!”
He was mocking the words of Allah (SWT)

5. Abu Lahab was one of the leaders of Quraysh and had a lot of
wealth and power. In this Ayah, Allah (S) teaches us that all
the money in the World can not save anyone from the
punishment of the Day of Judgement.
Abu Lahab was so arrogant. He felt he was better than everyone else. In a family
gathering, Abu Lahab asked the Prophet: “What special treatment will I get if I accept
Islam.” The Prophet told him: “You will earn Allah’s Jenna and will be among the
Muslims.”
“ Curse this Deen...I will
be placed together with
THOSE poor people?”
Abu Lahab expected preferential
treatment because of his wealth.
Abu Lahab
replied:

6. Abu Lahab earned his place in Jahannam because of all his evil acts:
Two of Abu Lahab’s sons were married to 2 of the Prophet’s daughters. When
the Prophet (S) refused to stop spreading Islam, Abu Lahab forced his sons to
divorce their wives. This was an evil way to hurt the family of the Prophet.
Whenever the Prophet would be reciting Quran, Abu Lahab would throw garbage
at him, speak over his voice, and make fun of his message.
When the Prophet’s 2 sons died, Abu Lahab went around the city celebrating and
making fun of the Prophet’s “cut off” lineage. It didn’t matter to him that the two
boys that had passed away were his own family members!!

7. Umm Jamil used to spread gossip among the women and create problems among the Muslims.
This is symbolic of “spreading fires”
She was a good poet, and used to go around the city reciting sarcastic poetry against the Prophet.
In this Ayah, Allah is telling us that this woman will carry firewood
in Jahannam as a punishment for her evil actions.
She will help fuel the very fire that will burn her and her husband.
Abu Lahab’s wife, Umm Jamil, used to abuse
the Prophet (S) by placing thorned pieces of
wood in front of the Prophet’s house so he
would step on them when he walked outside
his door.

8. Abu Lahab and his wife were from the family of the Prophet. They could have
received so much honor by supporting his cause. However, they chose the path of
evil and for this reason, they were dishonored in the Quran.
Abu Lahab’s wife used to have a very expensive necklace and would
walk around the city telling everyone : “ I will sell this necklace and use
the money to spend it against the path of the Muslims.”
In this Ayah, Allah (S) predicts that she will wear a necklace of fire in
Jahannam

9. Abu Lahab was the worst enemy of Allah.
The first to insult the prophet in public.
The first to attack and curse the Prophet.
And he was his Uncle!!
As a punishment, Abu Lahab died a very horrible death.
He developed a contagious skin disease that caused him to experience a
slow, painful death. When he died, his corpse lay there, rotting, but nobody
wanted to bury him because they were afraid of touching him.
His family members threw stones and rocks on his body in order to bury
him under the rubble. Allah(S) disgraced him in death, as a punishment for
his evil deeds. As Allah promised, Abu Lahab’s money and power did not
save him from destruction.