Adapted from Tafsir Ibn Ashur

Themes and purpose:

This Makkan surah focuses on proving the Quran's divine origin, its freedom from falsehood, and the truth of the Resurrection. It systematically counters the polytheists by providing proofs of Allah’s sole divinity in creation and warning of the Day of Judgment, when the body parts of the deniers will bear witness against them.

Context of Revelation:

Era: Makkan by unanimous agreement.

Context: The surah was revealed during the Makkan period when the polytheists were actively seeking to discredit the Quran by claiming it was fabricated. It addresses the fundamental theological issues of Monotheism and Resurrection.

Chronology: It is counted as the 61st surah in the order of revelation, revealed after Sūrat Ghāfir/al-Mu’min and before al-Zukhruf.

Name and Ayah Count:

Name: The surah is known by two common names: "Sūrat Fuṣṣilat" (Clearly Detailed), from ayah 3, which states that its signs/verses are clearly detailed; and "Sūrat Ḥā-Mīm al-Sajdah" (Ḥā-Mīm The Prostration), after its opening letters and the ayah of prostration it contains. It has also been called "Sūrat al-Maṣābīḥ" (The Lamps) and "Sūrat al-Aqwāt" (The Provisions), based on specific verses (10 and 12).

Ayah Count: 53 ayahs (Madīnah/Makkah), or 52 (Shām/Baṣrah), or 54 (Kūfah).

Surah Overview:

• The Quran's Integrity: Asserting that the Quran is a revelation from Allah, confirming its truth and defending it from any falsehood or corruption. [1-4]
• Refuting Fabrication: rebuking the polytheists for claiming the Quran is fabricated, noting they had never received a revelation before and thus had no basis for judgment. [4, 25-26]
• Monotheism and Creation: Proving monotheism by arguing that Allah alone created the heavens, the earth, and determined sustenance. [9-12]
• Warning and Historical Punishment: Warning the disbelievers of an impending punishment in this life and recalling the destruction that befell past nations like ʿĀd and Thamūd. [13-18]
• The Judgment Scene: Warning of the Hereafter, where their own senses (ears, eyes, and skin) will be commanded to testify against them. [19-24]
• The Devils’ Deceit: Warning believers about the influence of jinn and human partners who mislead them. [25]
• Consolation and Steadfastness: Affirming the divine support for the Prophet (ﷺ) and commanding him to continue his call with patience and wisdom. [30-35]
• Praise for Believers: Providing glad tidings to the believers and affirming that the angels descend to assure them of their safety and entrance into Paradise. [30-32]
• Conclusion: Proving the reality of the Resurrection and confirming that the time of the Hour is known only to Allah. [39, 47]