Themes and purpose:

This Makkan surah opens with nine cosmic oaths to affirm the pivotal importance of the purification of the soul. Its purpose is to contrast the eternal success of the purified soul with the failure of the corrupted one, warning the polytheists by citing the destruction of the arrogant nation of Thamūd.

Context of Revelation:

Era: Makkan by consensus.

Context: The surah was revealed early in the Prophet’s mission to establish the core Islamic ethic: that salvation depends solely on the internal state and purification of the soul, not on lineage or wealth which the Makkans valued.

Chronology: It is counted as the 26th surah in the order of revelation, revealed after Sūrat al-Qadr and before al-Burūj.

Name and Ayah Count:

Name: The surah is known as "Sūrat al-Shams" (The Sun), and also "Sūrat wa-l-Shamsi wa-ḍuḥāhā" (By the Sun and its Morning Brightness), based on its opening oath.

Ayah Count: 15 ayahs (Majority) or 16 (Makkah).

Surah Overview:

The Cosmic Oaths: Using the magnificent creation (Sun, Moon, Day, Night, Heaven, Earth) as evidence of the Creator’s power and the truth of the message. [1-7]
Spiritual Accountability: Affirming the pivotal role of purification of the soul and the failure of those who corrupt it. [9-10]
Historical Warning: Threatening the polytheists with a fate similar to that of Thamūd (who killed the she-camel) as a clear consequence of denying the Messenger. [11-15]
Divine Power: Highlighting the greatness of Allah by demonstrating His sole authority over the creation and state of the soul. [7-8]
Concluding with the final warning that Allah will destroy the transgressors without hesitation or regret. [14]