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Al-Hijr (Habitation)
Name
This Surah takes its name from v. 80.
Period of Revelation
It is clear from its topics and style that the period of its revelation
is about the same as that of Surah Ibrahim, for two things are quite prominent
in its background. First, it appears from the repeated warnings in this
Surah that in spite of the fact that the Holy Prophet had been propagating
the Message for many years, his people in general had not shown any inclination
towards its acceptance nay, they had become more and more obdurate and
stubborn in their antagonism, enmity and ridicule with the passage of
time. Secondly, by that time the Holy Prophet had begun to feel a little
tired of making strenuous efforts to eradicate disbelief and opposition
of his people. That is why Allah has consoled and comforted him over and
over again by way of encouragement.
Topics and the Central Theme
Though the main topics of the surah are : (a) warning to those who rejected
his Message, opposed it tooth and nail, and ridiculed him, and (b) comfort
and encouragement to the Holy Prophet, it does not mean that this Surah
does not contain admonition and instructions. As a matter of fact, the
Quran never confines itself to mere warning; rebuke and censure, but resorts
to precept in every suitable place. Accordingly, this Surah contains brief
arguments for Tauhid on the one hand, and admonition in the story of Adam
and Satan on the other.
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