This Surah was revealed during the Prophet's residence at Makkah during the early period when opposition had started but had not yet become severe.
- The Day of Judgement will be equal to fifty thousand years.
- Disbelievers will wish to save themselves from the punishment at the expense of their children, wives, brothers and relatives, but it will not happen.
- Paradise is not for the disbelievers.
- Disbelievers will have downcast eyes and countenances distorted with shame.
In this Surah Allah admonished and gave warning to those disbelievers who were making fun of the Resurrection, the Hereafter, and hell and heaven, and challenged the Prophet (pbuh) to cause resurrection to take place if what he said was true.
The whole Surah is meant to answer this question saying: "Resurrection, which they desire to be hastened out of jest and fun, is terrible, and when it comes, it will cause great distress to the culprits. At that time they will even be prepared to give away their wives and children and their nearest kinfolks in ransom to escape the punishment, but they will not be able to escape it. On that Day, the destinies of mankind will be decided strictly on the basis of their belief and their conduct. Those who turn away from the Truth in this world, amass wealth and withhold it from the needy, will be doomed to hell; and those who fear the punishment of Allah, believe in the Hereafter, establish Salah (keep up the prayers), discharge the rights of the needy out of their wealth, strictly avoid immoral and wicked deeds, practise honesty in all their dealings, fulfill their pledges and trust and bear true witness, will have a place of honor in paradise"
In conclusion, the disbelievers of Makkah are warned: "If you do not believe, Allah will replace you by other people who will be better than you", and the Prophet (pbuh) is consoled, so as to say: "Do not take to heart their mockery and jesting; leave them to indulge in their idle talk and foolish conduct if they chose to face the disgrace and humiliation on the Day of the Resurrection."