This Surah was revealed during the early stage of the Prophet's residence at Makkah.
- It is Allah Who created man, taught him the Qur'an and taught him how to convey his feelings and thoughts.
- Allah is the Rabb of the easts and wests. It is He Who made the laws to regulate the oceans: it's products and ships.
- All that exists will perish except Allah.
- No one can run away from the jurisdiction of Allah.
- Sinners will be punished in hell and the righteous will be awarded paradise with lush gardens, springs, fruits and bashful virgins.
This is the only Surah of the Qur'an in which, besides men, the jinn are directly addressed. In this Surah both men and jinn are taught to realize the wonders of Allah's power, His countless blessings, their own helplessness and accountability before Him. They are warned of the evil consequences of being disobedient to Him and made aware of the best results of His obedience.
Although at several other places in the Qur'an there are clear pointers that the jinn are a creation, who like men, are endowed with freedom of will and action and are therefore, accountable; who have been granted the freedom of belief and unbelief and of obedience and disobedience. Also among them are believers and unbelievers, the obedient and the rebellious, just as there are among human beings. Also among them exists such groups as have believed in the Prophets sent by God and in the Divine Books. This Surah clearly points out that the message of the Prophet (pbuh) and the Qur'an is meant both for men and for jinn. His Prophethood is not restricted to human beings alone. The beginning of the Surah addresses human beings. But from verse 13 onward both men and jinn are addressed, and one and the same invitation is extended to both.