Period of Revelation
The subject matter bears evidence that this Sura too was sent down in conditions closely resembling those under which Sura AlHaaqqahwas sent down.
Theme and Subject Matter
It admonisbes and gives warnion to the disbelievers who made fun of the news about Resurrection and the Hereafter
and Hell and Heaven
and challenged the Holy Prophet (upon whom be peace) to cause Resurrection with which he threatened them to take place if what he said was true and they had become worthy of the punishment in Hell by denying it. The whole Sura is meant to answer this denial. The Sura opens with words to the effect:"A demander has demanded a torment
the torment which must befall the deniers; and when it takes place
there will be none to prevent it
but it will take place at its own appointed time. Allah has His own way of doing things
but He is not unjust. Therefore
have patience
O Prophet
at what they say. They think it is far off
but We see it as near at hand." Then it is said:"Resurrection
which they desire to be hastened out of jest and fun
is terrible
and when it comes
it will cause great distress to the culprits. At that time they will even be prepared to give away their wives and children and their nearest kinsfolk in ransom to escape the punishment
but they will not be able to escape it. Then the people have been warned to the effect; "On that Day the destinies of men will be decided strictly on the basis of their belief and their conduct. Those who turn away from the Truth in the world and amass wealth and withhold it from the needy
will be doomed to Hell; and those who fear the punishment of God here
believe in the Hereafter
keep up the Prayer
discharge the rights of the needy out of their wealth
strictly avoid immoral and wicked deeds
practise honesty in all their dealings
fulfil their pledges and trust and bear true witness
will have a place of honour in Paradise" In conclusion
the disbelievers of Makkah who rushed in upon the Holy Prophet (upon whom be peace) from every side as soon as they saw him
in order to make fun of him
have been warned to the effect: "If you do not believe
Allah will replace you by other people who will be better than you"
and the Holy Prophet (upon whom be peace) has been consoled
so as to say: "Do not take to heart their mockery and jesting; leave them to indulge in their idle talk and foolish conduct if they are bent upon experiencing the disgrace and humiliation of the Resurrection; they will themselves see their evil end."'