Adapted from Tafsir Ibn Ashur

Themes and purpose:

This Makkan surah is entirely focused on proving the certainty of the Resurrection and Judgment. It achieves this by challenging the polytheists’ denial and mockery, presenting overwhelming natural proofs of Allah’s creative power, and vividly contrasting the eternal reward of the righteous with the severe punishment awaiting the arrogant.

Context of Revelation:

Era: Makkan by consensus.

Context: The surah was revealed early in the Prophethood to address the polytheists of Makkah, who were mockingly questioning and disputing the Resurrection, which the Prophet (ﷺ) was constantly warning them about.

Chronology: It is one of the earliest surahs, counted as the 33rd or 40th in the order of revelation.

Name and Ayah Count:

Name: The surah is known by five names: "Sūrat al-Naba’" (The News/Tidings) due to this word in the second ayah, or by its opening words: "Sūrat ʿAmma" or "ʿAmma Yatasā’alūn" (About What They Question). It has also been called "Sūrat al-Tasā’ul" (The Questioning), and "Sūrat al-Muʿṣirāt" (The Rain Clouds) based on ayah 14.

Ayah Count: 40 ayahs (Madinah/Shām/Baṣrah) or 41 (Makkah/Kūfah).

Surah Overview:

• Affirming the certainty of the Resurrection and Judgment, and recording the polytheists’ mocking denial of this event. [1-5]
• Proofs of Creation: Establishing the possibility of resurrection by citing the magnificence of Allah’s creation (the earth, mountains, sleep, night, sun, and rain). [6-16]
• The Final Scene: Warning of the destruction and terrors of the Day of Judgment. [17-30]
• Describing the fate and torment awaiting the arrogant transgressors. [21-30]
• Contrasting the torment with the detailed rewards and eternal delight prepared for the righteous believers. [31-36]
• Warning the polytheists that Allah's knowledge is comprehensive, encompassing all human deeds. [37, 40]
• Concluding with the powerful warning that every soul will regret its deeds on the day when the disbeliever wishes he were dust. [40]