Surah
Juz
This Surah's exact time of revelation is uncertain, but its content indicates that it was revealed during the same period as Surah 43: az-Zukhruf (The Ornament) and a few earlier Surahs, possibly a bit later. The context behind its revelation is as follows: When the people of Makkah, who were disbelievers, became increasingly hostile, the Prophet ﷺ prayed for a famine similar to the one experienced by the people in the time of the Prophet Joseph (Yusuf). He hoped that facing adversity would soften their hearts, make them remember God, and prompt them to accept guidance. God answered his prayer, causing a severe famine to afflict the entire land, causing great distress. Eventually, some leaders of the Quraysh, including Abu Sufyan, approached the Prophet ﷺ and requested him to pray for relief from the calamity. It was during this incident that God revealed this Surah.
The message revealed on this occasion aimed to admonish and warn the people of Makkah. The key points include: 1- The Qur'an is not a human creation; it's a testimony from God, the Lord of the worlds. 2- The Qur'an's arrival was a blessed event, not a calamity, as some perceived it. 3- God's decisions are unchangeable, and His guidance came at the appointed hour. 4- Despite acknowledging God as the Master of the universe, people persist in idolatry due to blind adherence to their forefathers' practices. 5- God's providence includes not just sustenance but also guidance, provided through the Messenger ﷺ and the Book. The discussion then shifts to the famine in Makkah, brought upon the Prophet's ﷺ prayer to soften the hearts of disbelievers. Some showed temporary remorse, but their promises were doubted. Reference to Pharaoh and his people serves as a warning against persistent disbelief, leading to their doom. The topic of the Hereafter, denied vehemently by disbelievers, is addressed with two arguments: the moral consequences of denial and the wise order of the universe. Responding to the demand to resurrect forefathers, it's explained that a simultaneous resurrection will occur in the future. The fate of the guilty and the rewards for the righteous are outlined, concluding with a warning that the Qur'an, revealed in simple language, serves as guidance—if not understood, consequences will unfold at the appointed time.
