Adapted from Tafsir Ibn Ashur

Themes and purpose:

This Makkan surah was revealed to console the Prophet (ﷺ) by affirming that his experiences mirrored those of Moses, a celebrated prophet. Its main purpose is to prove the reality of Allah’s revelation and the Resurrection by detailing Moses’ life, particularly his confrontation with Pharaoh and the eventual salvation of his followers and destruction of his enemies. The surah also particularly highlights how the Quran was sent as guidance and as a decisive proof against its deniers.

Context of Revelation:

Era: According to the majority, it is entirely Makkan; the few claims of Madinan exceptions are unconvincing.

Context: It was revealed early in the Makkan period, before the conversion of ʿUmar ibn al-Khaṭṭāb to Islam in the fifth year of the Prophethood. This would place its revelation shortly before the first emigration to Abyssinia.

Chronology: It has been counted as the 45th surah in order of revelation (in the chronology of Jābir ibn Zayd), revealed after Sūrat Maryam and before al-Wāqiʿah.

Name and Ayah Count:

Name: "Sūrat Ṭā-Hā," named after the two opening letters. It has also been called "Sūrat Mūsā" and "Sūrat al-Kalīm" due to its extensive focus on the Prophet Moses (the one spoken to by God).

Ayah Count: 135 (Kūfan), 134 (Madīnah/Makkah), or 140 (Shām).

Surah Overview:

• The challenge of the Quran through the opening letters, affirming its divine origin as a guidance for the receptive. [1-4]
• Extolling Allah’s majesty. [5-8]
• ِAffirming the prophethood of Muḥammad (ﷺ) by comparing it to the mission of Moses. Moses's story is given in detail: his miraculous upbringing in Pharaoh's house, Allah's support, and the defeat of Pharaoh. [9-78]
• Using Moses's victory as a promise that Muḥammad (ﷺ) will also be victorious over his opponents. [79-82]
• Recounting the story of the Sāmirī and the worship of the golden calf during Moses's absence. [83-98]
• Warning those who turn away from the Quran. [99–101]
• Proving the Resurrection and detailing the horrors of the Day of Judgment. [102-112]
• Warning those who reject the Qur’ān and establishing the ultimate penalty for those led astray by Satan. [124-128]
• Consoling the Prophet (ﷺ) against the mockery of his people and commanding him to remain steadfast. [130-131]