Surah
Juz
We don't have precise information about when this part of the Quran was revealed, but based on its writing style, it's likely from the middle or early period in Makkah. If it's from the middle period, it might be from the early stages when the opposition to Islam wasn't very harsh yet. During this time, the Islamic movement faced suppression through mockery, spreading rumours, making false accusations, and planting negative ideas in people's minds.
Surah Saba delves into the objections raised by disbelievers against the Prophet's ﷺ message, specifically challenging the notions of Monotheism (Tawhid), the Hereafter, and his Prophethood ﷺ. These objections often took the form of baseless allegations and mockery. The Surah responds to these objections, providing guidance, admonition, and logical arguments. The stories of the Sabaeans and Prophets David and Solomon serve as historical precedents, illustrating the consequences of embracing Monotheism and gratitude versus falling into disbelief and arrogance. The Surah also narrates the rise and fall of the Sheba civilization, a dominant society around 2000 BC, emphasising their remarkable achievements such as constructing a dam in the city of Ma’rib (Yemen). The Sheba people, however, turned away from gratitude, demanded more for boasting, and became ungrateful. This story serves as a cautionary tale, highlighting the importance of humility in the face of Allah's blessings. Even the mightiest civilization of its time, with remnants of its structures still visible, was reduced to mere stories by Allah, illustrating the transient nature of worldly power. The Surah addresses disbelievers who questioned the reality of resurrection and the Day of Judgment. It asserts that Allah, the Knower of the Unseen, determines the timing of these events. The narrative of Prophet Solomon's death, where the Jinn working under his control were unaware of his demise, underscores the ultimate power lying with Allah. This intentional revelation by Allah dispels any exaggerated notions about the abilities of the Jinn and emphasises Allah's supremacy. Surah Saba further stresses the correlation between gratitude, humility, and the positive reception of divine blessings. It cautions against arrogance and boasting, emphasising that Allah's blessings are truly beneficial when coupled with humility. The Surah's holistic message encompasses themes of Monotheism, historical precedents, the consequences of arrogance, and the transient nature of worldly achievements.
