Surah
Juz
The Surah is named after verse 41, where God compares the homes of idolaters to the frailty of a spider's dwelling. The idolaters rely on other gods, hoping for help and provisions, similar to one trusting in a spider's web. This comparison highlights the weakness of their beliefs, as holding onto gods other than God is as futile as grasping a spider's web, providing no real benefit. If they understood this, they would not choose any protectors besides God.
This Surah was revealed shortly before the migration to Abyssinia, during a time of intense persecution of Muslims in Makkah. The aim was to strengthen and uplift the Muslims facing severe oppression and to caution hypocrites. It warned the disbelievers against inviting a fate similar to those who denied the truth in the past. The Surah addressed concerns of young converts pressured by their parents to return to ancestral religion and refuted claims of others offering to bear their sins. Stories in the Surah illustrated the trials of past Prophets, emphasising that God's assistance follows hardship. Disbelievers were reminded that past nations were destroyed for transgressing, and Muslims were advised that if persecution became unbearable, they could seek refuge elsewhere to preserve their faith. Additionally, rational arguments in the universe were presented to refute polytheism and affirm the teachings of the Prophet ﷺ.
