Surah
Juz
This Surah, based on its subject matter and style, reveals its origin in the early period of Makkah when opposition against the Prophet ﷺ was at its peak.
The theme of this Surah is to differentiate between good and evil, and to warn those who refuse to recognize this distinction about the dire consequences awaiting them. The Surah can be divided into two parts: The first part (verses 1-10) emphasises the contrast between good and evil, highlighting how they differ in appearance and outcome. It underscores that God has endowed humanity with the ability to discern between right and wrong, and one's future hinges on how they cultivate the good within themselves while suppressing the evil. The second part (verses 11-15) draws upon the historical example of the people of Thamud to underscore the importance of prophethood. It illustrates how prophets are sent to clarify the concepts of good and evil, as human understanding alone is often insufficient. The rejection of the prophet Salih by the Thamud, despite his clear signs, led to their downfall, serving as a warning to those who reject divine guidance. Though the Surah doesn't explicitly warn the people of Quraysh of a similar fate, the narrative of Thamud serves as a cautionary tale, implying that those who reject their prophet may face similar consequences.
