Surah
Juz
The initial verse suggests that this Surah was revealed during the Prophet's ﷺ ascension (Mi'raj), which, according to narrations (hadith) about the Prophet's ﷺ life, occurred one year before his migration (Hijrah). Therefore, this Surah was revealed in the final phase of the Prophet's mission in Makkah. The Prophet ﷺ had been advocating Monotheism (Tawhid) for twelve years. Despite facing opposition, Islam had spread throughout Arabia, influencing nearly every clan. In Makkah, a community of true believers had formed. Additionally, a significant number of people from the influential Aws and Khazraj tribes in Madinah had embraced Islam. As a consequence, the Muslims were now urged to migrate from Makkah to Madinah, responding to the invitation of the Aws and Khazraj, to establish an Islamic state.
This Surah presents a balanced combination of warning and guidance. The non-believers in Makkah are cautioned to learn from the punishments experienced by the Israelites and other ancient civilizations. They are advised to embrace the message of Islam before facing a similar fate. The Israelites, who would soon come into direct contact with Islam in Madinah, are also given admonitions in the Surah. They are urged to reflect on the historical chastisements they have faced and to seize the last opportunity presented by the Prophethood of Muhammad ﷺ. Emphasising the importance of understanding Monotheism, the afterlife, and Prophethood for human success, the Surah provides compelling arguments to establish the Quran as the Book of God with genuine teachings. Disbelievers' doubts are addressed, and they are rebuked for their ignorance. The Surah outlines the fundamental principles of morality and civilization upon which the Islamic way of life is built. This serves as a manifesto for the upcoming Islamic state, declared a year before its establishment. The Prophet ﷺ is instructed to firmly uphold these principles despite opposition and challenges, without compromising belief. Additionally, the Surah introduces the prescription of prayer (Salah) as a means to reform and purify souls, fostering the essential qualities of character for a faithful life. It's noteworthy that, according to hadith, the occasion of ascension marked the first prescription of the five daily prayers.
