Period of Revelation
We learn from traditions
and this is supported by the contents of the Sura itself
that the whole of this Sura was revealed at Makkah. But there are some people who are
of the opinion
that some of its verses were revealed at Al-Madinah. This is
however
a superficial view. The continuity of the theme clearly shows that this does not comprise
isolated verses or discourses that were revealed at different times and on different
occasions. On the contrary
it is
from the beginning to the end
a closely connected discourse which must have been revealed at one sitting. Besides
this
the nature of its theme is itself a clear proof that the Sura belongs to the Makkan
period.Time of Revelation
We have no tradition in regard to the time of it's revelation
but its subject matter gives clear indication that it must have been revealed during the
last stage of the Holy Prophet's residence at Makkah. For the mode of the discourse
suggests that at the time of its revelation
the antagonism of the opponents of the Message had become so intense that they
could not tolerate even the presence of the Holy Prophet and his followers among
themselves
and that things had come to such a pass as to leave no hope that they would ever
understand and accept the Message of the Prophet. This indicates that the last stage of
the Prophet's life among thee people had come
and the final warning like the one in this Sura had to be given. These characteristics of
the discourse are clear proof that it was revealed during the last stage of the Movement
at Makkah. Another thing that determines more specifically the order of the Suras of the
last stage at Makkah is the mention (or absence) of some open or covert hint about
Hijrat (Emigration) from Makkah. As this Sura does not contain any hint whatsoever
about this
it is a proof that it preceded those suras which contain it. Now that we have specified
the time of its revelation
there is no need of repeating its historical background because that has already been
stated in Suras VI and VII.Subject
This discourse deals with the invitation to the Message
admonition and warning. In the very introductory verses
the invitation has been extended like this:- "The people consider it a strange thing that
this Message is being conveyed by a human being and charge him with sorcery
whereas there is nothing strange in it nor has it any connection with sorcery or sooth
saying. It simply informs you of two realities. First
Allah
Who has created the universe and manages it
is
in fact
your Master and Lord
and He alone is entitled to your worship. The second reality is that after the life in this
world
there will be another life in the Next World
where you shall have to render full account of the life of this world and be rewarded or
punished according to whether you adopted the righteous attitude as required by Him
after acknowleding Him as your Masters or acted against His will. Both of these realities
which the Messenger is presenting before you
are "realities" in themselves whether you acknowledge them as such or not. He is
inviting you to accept these and regulate your lives in accordance with them; if you
accept these
you will have a very blessed end; otherwise join shall meet with evil
consequences."
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