Names
This surah is called Surat Ar-Ra?d. [125] See: Al-Fayruzabadi: Basa?ir Dhawi At-Tamyiz, 1/262; Tafsir Ibn ?Ashur, 13/75.
Makki or Madani?
Surat Ar-Ra?d is one of the surahs concerning which there was a difference of scholarly opinion. It was said that it is Madani [126] This was narrated by ?Ata? Al-Khurasani from Ibn ?Abbas, and was also the view of Jabir ibn Zayd. See: Tafsir Al-Mawardi, 3/19; Tafsir Ibn Al-Jawzi, 2/479. , and it was narrated that there was consensus on that apart from one verse. [127] Ar-Razi said: Al-Asamm said: It is Madani according to consensus, apart from the verse: And if there was any qur?an by which the mountains would be removed [Ar-Ra?d 13:31]. Tafsir Ar-Razi, 18/524. And it was said that it is Makki. [128] Narrated by ?Ali ibn Abi Talhah from Ibn ?Abbas. This was also the view of Al-Hasan, Sa?id ibn Jubayr and ?Ata?. See: Tafsir Ibn ?Atiyyah, 3/296; Tafsir Ibn Al-Jawzi, 2/479; Al-Fayruzabadi: Basa?ir Dhawi At-Tamyiz, 1/262.
Objectives
The most important objectives of Surat Ar-Ra?d include:
Highlighting the sublimity of the Holy Qur?an and the status of the Messenger (blessings and peace of Allah be upon him); and affirming the pillars of faith in the light of Allah?s signs in the universe. [129] See: At-Tafsir Al-Mawdu?i li Suwar Al-Qur?an Al-Karim, 3/567.
Topics?????
The most significant topics addressed in Surat Ar-Ra?d include:
Highlighting the fact that the Holy Qur?an is indeed from Allah, may He be Glorified and Exalted,.
Stating a number of proofs of the great power of Allah, may He be Glorified and Exalted, and His Oneness.
Some of the arguments of the polytheists having to do with the resurrection, and the refutation thereof.
The perfect nature of Allah?s knowledge, which encompasses all things; the vastness of His power; and the divine wisdom in all that He wills and decrees.
Giving two likenesses of truth and falsehood, and highlighting the contrast between the fate of the followers of truth and the fate of the followers of falsehood, mentioning the characteristics of each group.
Some of the suggestions and stubborn demands of the disbelievers, and refutation thereof.
The best outcome will be for those who fear Allah, and the worst outcome will be for the disbelievers.
Consoling the Messenger (blessings and peace of Allah be upon him) for what he went through.