Period of Revelation
This Surah was revealed at about the same time as that of Surah Ibrahim, which was during the last period of the Prophet's residence at Makkah. It appears from the repeated warnings in this Surah that the people in general had not accepted the Message; rather, they had become more obdurate and stubborn in their antagonism, enmity, and ridicule.
Major Issues, Divine Laws, and Guidance
- The Qur'an is a Divine Book.
- On the Day of Judgement, the disbelievers will wish that they had become Muslims.
- Allah Himself has taken the responsibility of preserving and safeguarding Al-Qur'an.
- Admonition through the story of Adam's creation, prostration of the angels before him, and refusal of Shaitan to prostrate.
- The Prophet Ibrahim was given the good news of having a son by the same two angels who were assigned to destroy the nation of Lut.
- Al-Fatiha is also named, "seven verses worthy of oft-recitation."
- Divine order to proclaim the commandments of Allah publicly and turn away from the mushrikin.
Theme
This Surah also contains brief arguments for Tawhid on the one hand, and admonition to the disbelievers on the other.