Adapted from Tafsir Ibn Ashur

Themes and purpose:

This Makkan surah asserts the truth of the Quran and the reality of the Resurrection against the arrogant deniers of Makkah. It establishes Monotheism by demonstrating Allah’s power through the signs of creation, and warns the polytheists by citing the destruction of past nations who shared their disbelief and rejection of the Prophet’s message.

Context of Revelation:

Era: Makkan.

Context: The surah was revealed to address the three main theological points the polytheists found unbelievable: the truth of the Prophet (ﷺ), the divine origin of the Quran, and the reality of life after death.

Chronology: It is counted as the 34th surah in the order of revelation, revealed after Sūrat al-Mursalāt and before Sūrat al-Balad.

Name: "Sūrat Qāf," named after the single letter that opens the surah. It is also called "Sūrat al-Bāsiqāt," referencing the tall date-palm trees [10].

Virtue: The Prophet (ﷺ) customarily recited this surah in the Fajr (dawn) prayer and in the prayers of the two Eids, and he would recite it regularly when delivering the Friday sermon.

Ayah Count: 45 ayahs by unanimous agreement.

Surah Overview:

• The Quran Challenge: Opening with an oath by the majestic Quran, affirming its truthfulness and implying the challenge of its inimitability. [1-2]
• Affirming the Resurrection: Condemning the polytheists for considering resurrection unlikely and citing their denial as the source of their arrogance. [3, 15]
• Proofs of Creation: Demonstrating Allah’s power and wisdom through the initial creation of the heavens, the earth, and the subsequent revival of the dead land by rain. [6-11]
• Historical Warning: Analogizing the polytheists’ denial to the rejection by past nations (the people of Nūḥ, the people of al-Rass and Thamūd, Lūṭ’s people, etc.) and warning of a similar, impending punishment. [12-14]
• The Judgment Scene: Describing the terrors of the Day of Reckoning, when the secrets of the soul are exposed and the disbeliever is led to punishment. [19-30]
• Divine Knowledge: Affirming Allah’s comprehensive knowledge, including the secrets of the soul and the record of human deeds. [16-18]
• The Promise: Describing the reward and nearness to Allah reserved for the pious in Paradise. [31-35]
• Refuting the belief that Allah rested after the six days of creation. [38]
• Consolation: Commanding the Prophet (ﷺ) to be patient and to continue reminding others of the Quran's message. [39, 45]