Period of Revelation
In verse 10 (wa ardullah-i-wasi atun: and Allah's earth is vast) there is abundant evidence that this Sura was sent down before the migration to Habash. Some traditions provide the explanation that this verse was sent down in respect of Hadrat Ja'far bin Abi Talib and his companions when they made up their mind to emi- grate to Habash.(Ruh al-Maani
vol. XXII
p. 226).
Theme and Subject matter
The entire Sura is a most eloquent and effective address which was given some time before the emigration to Habash
in an environment filled with tyranny and persecution
ill-will and antagonism
at Makkah. It is a sermon whose addressees mainly are the unbelieving Quraish
although here and there the believers also have been addressed. In it the real aim of the invitation of Muhammad (upon whom be Allah's peace and blessings) had been enunciated
which is this:Man should adopt Allah's servitude sincerely
and should not pollute his God worship with the service of any other. Presenting this cardinal principle in different ways over and over again
the truth of Tauhidand the excellent results of accepting it
and the falsehood of shirkand the evil concequences of following it
have been explained in a most forceful way
and the people exhorted to give up their wrong way of life and return to the mercy of their Lord. In this very connection
the believers have been instructed
as if to say:"If a place has become narrow for the worship and service of Allah
His earth is vast: you may emigrate to some other place in order to save your faith: Allah will reward you for your patience."On the other hand
the Holy Prophet has been encouraged
so as to say:"Tell the disbelievers plainly that they may do whatever they like
but their persecutions and tyrannies will never deter you from the way of Islam; that they may go on doing their worst to obstruct your way
but you will continue to perform your mission in spite of the adverse conditions and circumstances."