Mid to late Madinan. One of two surahs that directly names the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ (the other is the following surah, Al Fath).

Beautiful rhythmic tone to the surah, with all but one ayah ending in the pronouns “hum” or “kum.”

Themes

• Rewards of believers and disbelievers.
• Qualities of hypocrites.
• Striving in the Way of Allah SWT.

Selected Verses

1: Those who disbelieve and lead others astray, their good deeds will be worthless.

2: Expiation of sins of those who have faith.

7-11: Strive for Allah SWT and He will help us and make things easy for us. Allah SWT is our Protector. The disbelievers are doomed and will have their deeds voided.

14: Can the believers who stand on clear proof from Allah SWT be equal to the disbelievers whose evil deeds are made appealing to them and only follow their desires?

15: Descriptions of Jannah. Rivers of fresh water that does not stagnate, milk that does not go off, wine delicious to drink and pure honey; all kinds of fruits; forgiveness from their Lord. Contrasted with those who will be in the Fire drinking boiling water that will tear apart their innards.

17: Allah SWT increases guidance of those who follow the right path.

16, 24-22: Qualities of hypocrites, mockery and cowardice.

27-28: The angels will beat the hypocrite’s faces and backs when they take their souls because they follow whatever displeases Allah SWT and hate whatever pleases Him.

31: We shall all be tested to see who is steadfast and obeys Allah SWT and His Messenger

36: The life of this world is nothing but play and amusement.

38: We are being invited to donate (a little) in the cause of Allah SWT yet some still withhold. Whoever does so, it is to their own loss. Allah is Self Sufficient whereas we are in need of Him.