Adapted from Tafsir Ibn Ashur

Themes and purpose:

This Makkan surah is dedicated to proving Monotheism and the Resurrection through the signs of creation and human nature. It systematically refutes shirk and idolatry, while offering the Prophet (ﷺ) consolation. It is most famous for its universal call to repentance and its central theme of the final gathering of souls on the Day of Judgment.

Context of Revelation:

Era: Makkan according to most scholars.

Context: The context is the intense period of rejection in Makkah. The surah contains encouragement to migrate for Allah’s sake [10], suggesting a revelation date around the 5th year of Prophethood, shortly before the migration of some Companions to Abyssinia.

Chronology: It is counted as the 59th surah in the order of revelation, revealed after Sūrat Sabā’ and before Ghāfir/al-Mu’min.

Name and Ayah Count:

Name: "Sūrat al-Zumar" (The Groups), named for the final destination of souls, who will be driven to Paradise and Hell in distinct groups. It has also been called "Sūrat al-Ghuraf" (The Chambers/Rooms) due to the mention of elevated chambers in Paradise [20].

Virtue: The Prophet (ﷺ) habitually recited al-Zumar (along with Sūrat al-Isra’) before sleeping.

Ayah Count: 72 ayahs (Madīnah/Makkah/Baṣrah) or 75 (Kūfah).

Surah Overview:

• Monotheism and Prophethood: Praising the Quran and asserting the singular authority of Allah, proved by His creation and administration of the upper and lower worlds. [1-8]
• Consolation and Steadfastness: Consoling the Prophet (ﷺ) and commanding the believers to adhere to taqwā (piety) and to emigrate from the land of disbelief. [9-20]
• Contrast: Highlighting the difference between the state of the sincere believers (people of knowledge) and the state of the heedless polytheists, often through parables (e.g., the water cycle). [21-31]
• Refutation of Shirk: Invalidating the polytheists' excuses and refuting the claim that Allah has partners or sons. [32-47]
• Warning and Reckoning: Proving the Resurrection and detailing the horrors of the Last Hour, where the disbelievers will regret their choices. [48-52]
• The Universal Invitation to Repentance: Contains the famous āyah calling those who have wronged themselves not to despair of Allah's mercy. [53-61]
• The Final Gathering: Describing the Day of Judgment, where souls will be driven in distinct groups to their respective places in Paradise or Hell. [62-73]
• Conclusion: a final scene of praise and glory to Allah, who has absolute dominion over all things. [74-75]