Surah
Juz
This Surah was revealed prior to the initial migration to Abyssinia. According to a reliable hadith, Ja'afar, a companion of the Prophet ﷺ, recited verses 1-40 of this Surah before the court of the Negus when the Muslims were called to appear. This Surah was revealed during a challenging period in Makkah when the leaders of the Quraysh, unable to suppress Islam through ridicule and threats, turned to persecution, beatings, and economic pressure. In the fifth year of Prophethood, the Prophet ﷺ advised his companions to migrate to Abyssinia, where they would find a just king and a better environment. The first group, consisting of eleven men and four women, left for Abyssinia. Later, more Muslims migrated, and the number increased to eighty-three men and eleven women. This migration stirred great turmoil in Makkah, affecting the families of the Quraysh leaders who were persecuting the Muslims. To persuade the king of Abyssinia (Negus) to send the migrants back, the Quraysh sent Abdullah bin Abi Rabiy’ah and Amr Ibn Al-As with precious gifts. However, Negus was not swayed and decided to inquire directly from the migrants. When asked about their faith, Jafar bin Abi Talib explained that they were followers of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ and had migrated to Abyssinia to escape persecution. Upon further inquiry, Jafar recited a portion of Surah Maryam about Prophet Jesus. The king was moved to tears and decided not to hand them back to the Quraysh. Amr bin As tried a second time, suggesting the king inquire about their beliefs regarding Jesus. The migrants, knowing the scheme, decided to stick to what God and the Prophet ﷺ had taught them. When asked, Jafar confidently stated that Jesus was a Servant and Messenger of God, a Spirit, and a Word of God sent to the virgin Mary. The king was impressed and allowed them to stay in Abyssinia in peace, returning the bribes sent by the Quraysh.
Considering the historical context, it is apparent that this Surah was revealed to provide guidance to the migrants heading to Abyssinia. It emphasises that, despite being persecuted emigrants to a Christian country, they should openly share the teachings they have received, particularly clarifying to the Christians that Prophet Jesus is not the son of God. The Surah first narrates the stories of Prophet John and Jesus (verses 1-40) to highlight that, like the migrants, Prophet Abraham also faced persecution, forcing him to leave his country. This serves as both a source of consolation for the emigrants, assuring them that they are following the path of Prophet Abraham with similar positive outcomes, and a warning to the disbelievers of Makkah, as they are aligning themselves with those who persecuted their forefather Abraham. In verses 51-65, other prophets are mentioned to illustrate that Prophet Muhammad ﷺ brought the same way of life as the earlier prophets, but their followers later deviated. The concluding passage (verses 66-98) strongly criticises the evil ways of the disbelievers in Makkah, providing assurance to the believers that they will ultimately succeed and become beloved, despite facing opposition.
