Adapted from Tafsir Ibn Ashur

Themes and purpose:

This Madinan surah affirms the universal mission of the Prophet Muḥammad (ﷺ) to the Arabs and all subsequent peoples. It confirms the obligation of Friday Prayer (ṣalāt al-Jumuʿah), emphasizes the superiority of the final Revelation and its people, and condemns those Believers who, when tested, prioritize fleeting commerce over the command of Allah.

Context of Revelation:

Era: Madinan by consensus.

Context: It was revealed late in the Madinan period, likely around the 6th year AH (the year of Khaybar), as indicated by the conversion of Abū Hurayrah at Khaybar. The surah was revealed when a group of Muslims ran away from the Friday sermon when a trade caravan arrived from the Levant. This event served as a major test of faith, prompting the surah’s final command to seek Allah's provision after the prayer.

Chronology: It is counted as the 106th surah in the order of revelation, revealed after Sūrat al-Taḥrīm and before al-Taghābun.

Name and Ayah Count:

Name: The surah's established name is "Sūrat al-Jumuʿah" (Friday), for the unique mention of Friday and the associated congregational prayer [9].

Ayah Count: 11 ayahs by unanimous agreement.

Surah Overview:

• Glorification of Allah and affirmation of the Prophet's (ﷺ) mission to the Arabs and all subsequent nations. [1-4]
• Reproof of the Jews: Condemning them for failing to act upon the Torah, comparing them to a donkey carrying books. [5]
• Challenging Falsehood: Invalidating the Jews’ claim that they are the “allies of Allah” and challenging them to wish for death if they are truthful. [6-8]
• The Law of Jumuʿah: Commanding believers to attend the Friday prayer and to cease all buying and selling when the call is made. [9-10]
• Rebuke for Negligence: Reprimand those who abandoned the sermon when a trade caravan arrived. [11]