Aṣ-Ṣâffât (Surah 37)

Introduction

For the most part, this Meccan sûrah explains verse 31 from the previous sûrah: “Have the deniers not considered how many peoples We destroyed before them …?”. Hence, several examples of destroyed disbelievers are cited here, including the peoples of Noah, Lot, and Elias. Some basic truths are emphasized, including the oneness of Allah, the Resurrection, and the prophethood of Muḥammad (ﷺ). The pagans are criticized for calling the Prophet (ﷺ) ‘a mad poet’ and for claiming that the angels are Allah’s daughters. This sûrah provides more details on the punishment of the disbelievers and the reward of the believers in the Hereafter (verses 19-68). In conclusion, the Prophet (ﷺ) is reassured that Allah’s messengers always prevail. In the Name of Allah—the Most Compassionate, Most Merciful