Period of Revelation
The following internal evidence shows that this Sura was revealed during the last
Makkan stage of Prophethood: 1.V. 41 clearly shows that persecution had forced some
Muslims to emigrate to Habash before the revelation of this Sura. 2.It is evident from v.
106 that at that time the persecution of the Muslims was at its height. Therefore a
problem had arisen in regard to the utterance of a blasphemoins word
without actual disbelief
under unbearable conditions. The problem was that if one did so how he should be
treated. 3.vv. 112-114 clearly refer to the end of seven year famine that had struck
Makkah some years after the appointment of the Holy Prophet as Allah's Messenger.
4.There is a reference to V 116 of this Sura in VI: 145
and v. 118 of this Sura contains a reference to VI: 146. This is a proof that both these
Suras (VI and XVI) were sent down in the same period. The general style of the Sura
also supports the view that this was revealed during the last stage at Makkah. Central
Theme All the topics of the Sura revolve round different aspects of the Message
ie.
refutation of shirk
proof of Tauhid
and warning of the consequences of the rejection of and opposition and antagonism to
the Message.
Topics of Discussion
The very first verse gives direct and strict warning to those who were rejecting the
Message outright
as if to say
Allah's decision has already been made concerning your rejection of the Message. Why
are you then clamouring for hastening it? Why don't you make use of the respite that is
being given to you!
And this was exactly what the disbelievers of Makkah needed at the time of the
revelation of this Sura. For they challenged the Holy Prophet over and over again: "Why
don't you bring that scourge with which you have been threatening us! For we have not
only rejected your Message but have been openly opposing it for a long time." Such a
challenge had become a by-word with them
which they frequently repeated as a clear proof that Muhammad (Allah's peace be upon
him) was not a true Prophet. Immediately after this warning they have been
admonished to give up shirk
for this false creed was the main obstacle in the way of the Message. Then the
following topics come over and over again
one after the other: 1.Very convincing proofs of Tauhidand refutation of shirkhave been
based on the plain signs in the universe and in man's own self. 2. The objections of the
disbelievers have been answered
their arguments refuted
their doubts removed and their false pretexts exposed. 3.Warnings have given of the
consequences of persistence in false ways and antagonism to the Message. 4.The
moral changes which the Message of the Holy Prophet aims to bring practically in
human life have been presented briefly in an appealing manner. The mushrikshave
been told that belief in Allah
which they also professed
demanded that it shotlld not be confined merely to lip service
but this creed should take a definite shape in moral and practical life. The Holy Prophet
and his companions have been comforted and told about the attitude they should adopt
in the face of antagonism and persecution by the disbelievers.
