Adapted from Tafsir Ibn Ashur

Themes and purpose:

This Makkan surah affirms the imminent approach of the Hour and the reality of the Resurrection. Its primary purpose is to shame the polytheists for denying the miraculous sign of the splitting of the moon and to warn them of their impending defeat and the comprehensive punishment that awaits them, mirroring the fate of past arrogant nations.

Context of Revelation:

Era: Makkan by consensus. The opening passage [1-8] was revealed around Year 8 of Prophethood).

Context: The surah was revealed after the Makkan polytheists challenged the Prophet (ﷺ) to produce a miracle, leading to the “splitting of the moon”. The surah documents their denial, despite witnessing the event.

Chronology: It is the 37th surah in the order of revelation, revealed after Sūrat al-Ṭāriq and before Ṣād.

Name and Ayah Count:

Name: The surah was known by the early Muslims as "Sūrat Iqtarabat al-Sāʿah" or "Iqtarabat" for short (The Hour Has Approached), based on the opening words, as well as "Sūrat al-Qamar" (The Moon).

Virtue: The Prophet (ﷺ) customarily recited this surah (along with Sūrat Qāf) in the Eid prayers.

Ayah Count: 55 ayahs by consensus.

Surah Overview:

• Warning of the imminent approach of the Resurrection and the subsequent suffering. [1]
• Recording the stubborn denial of the polytheists regarding the clear signs and commanding the Prophet (ﷺ) to overlook their persistence. [2-3]
• Reminding them of the terrible punishment that befell nations like Thamūd, ʿĀd, and the people of Nūḥ who rejected their messengers. [9-42]
• Warning the Makkans that they will face a battle in which they will be defeated and turn their backs, a prophecy fulfilled at Badr. [45]
• Warning them that their punishment in the Hereafter will be more severe than their punishment in this world. [43-47]
• Affirming Allah’s comprehensive knowledge of all deeds and His just recompense. [49-50]
• Concluding with a reminder of the certainty of the promise and a description of the reward of the pious. [54-55]