The period of this Surah's revelation is the same as that of Surah Maryam. It is just possible that it was sent down during the migration to Habash or just after it. Some authentic traditions indicate that this Surah was revealed before Umar embraced Islam.
- The Qur'an is but a reminder for those who fear Allah.
- In the Hereafter, the life of this world shall appear to be no more than a day or a part of a day.
- Story of the Prophet Musa (pbuh) as a Rasool towards Fir'on and his chiefs.
- Famous prayer of the Prophet Musa (pbuh) before starting his mission.
- Dialogue between the Prophet Musa (pbuh) and Fir'on.
- Confrontation of the Prophet Musa (pbuh) and Fir'on's magicians, who after witnessing the miracles accepted Islam.
- A scene from the Day of Judgement.
- The Qur'an is sent in the Arabic language for easy understanding, so read it and say: "O Rabb increase my knowledge."
- The story of Adam's creation and Shaitan's temptations.
- Those who do not read The Qur'an and follow its directions shall be raised to life as blind people on the Day of Resurrection.
- Do not envy others their worldly riches.
This Surah begins with the object of The Qur'an's revelation that it is merely an admonition and guidance to the Right Path for those who fear Allah and want to save themselves from His punishment. This Qur'an is the Word of Allah Who is the Creator of the heavens and the earth and Godhead belongs to Him alone. These are the facts whether one believes them or not. After this introduction, the story of the Prophet Musa (pbuh) is related to admonish the people of Makkah who knew about Musa (pbuh) as a Prophet of Allah due to their relations with Jews and neighboring Christian kingdoms. This story has identified the following facts:
- The fundamental principles of Tawhid and the Hereafter which are being presented by the Prophet Muhammad, are the same as were conveyed by the Prophet Musa (pbuh) to his people.
- The Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) has been made a Rasool to convey Allah's Message to the people of Qureysh without worldly means, just as the Prophet Musa (pbuh) was made a Rasool without worldly means to convey Allah's Message to a tyrant king, Fir'on.
- The people of Makkah were employing the same devices against the Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) as Fir'on did against the Prophet Musa (pbuh), i.e., frivolous objections, accusations, and cruel persecutions. Just as the Prophet Musa (pbuh) came out victorious over Fir'on, so shall the Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) over the Qureysh, for the mission which is supported by Allah always comes out victorious in the end.
- The Muslims are advised to follow the excellent example of the magicians, who remained steadfast in their faith, though Fir'on threatened them with horrible vengeance.
After this the story of Adam is related, as if to tell the Qureysh, "the way you are following is the way of Shaitan, whereas the right way for a man is to follow his forefather Adam, who was seduced by Shaitan, but when he realized his error, he plainly confessed, repented and returned to the service of Allah."