Surah
Juz
According to reliable accounts, this Surah was revealed after Hamza, the Prophet's ﷺ uncle, embraced Islam and before Umar accepted the faith. In a gathering at the Masjid al-Haram, some Quraysh leaders were upset about the increasing number of Muslims. Utbah bin Rabi’ah suggested talking to Muhammad ﷺ to find a solution. They agreed, and Utbah approached the Prophet ﷺ, expressing concerns about the divisions and criticism of their religion. He proposed various offers, including wealth, leadership, kingship, and medical treatment if the Prophet ﷺ was possessed by a Jinn. The Prophet ﷺ calmly listened and then recited this Surah, and when he reached the verse of prostration, he prostrated. After finishing, he told Utbah that this was his response. Utbah returned to the chiefs with a changed demeanour. When asked about what he heard, Utbah stated that it was neither poetry nor magic, advising the chiefs to listen and leave the Prophet ﷺ alone. If others overcame him, they would be safe, and if he succeeded, his honour would be theirs. The chiefs accused Utbah of being bewitched, but he maintained his opinion, leaving the decision to them (Ibn Hisham, vol. I, pp. 313- 314).
In response to Utbah's remarks, this Surah does not address his proposals but focuses on the opposition and antagonism shown by the Quraysh. They stubbornly rejected the message of the Quran and devised plans to disrupt its delivery. They raised objections and spread misconceptions about the Quran and the Prophet ﷺ. One objection claimed that if an Arab spoke in Arabic, it couldn't be a miracle. The Surah counters these objections, asserting that the Quran is God's Word, a source of guidance for those willing to understand. It emphasises the oneness of God, warns of impending punishment, and exposes the misguided nature of associating others with God. The Surah also rejects the idea that the Quran should be in a foreign language, stating that the Arabs would dismiss it as a joke. The opponents are urged to consider the consequences of denying the truth and are assured that the message of the Quran will prevail globally. The Surah addresses the challenges faced by believers, offering them encouragement and emphasising the effectiveness of good morals in overcoming obstacles. The Prophet ﷺ is advised to persist in using the weapon of good character against opposition and seek refuge in God when faced with temptations.
