Names
This surah is called Surat Al-Hajj. [178] See: Al-Fayruzabadi: Basa?ir Dhawi At-Tamyiz, 1/323; Tafsir Ibn ?Ashur, 17/179.
It was narrated that Ibn ?Abbas (#3) said: ?In Surat Al-Hajj there are two sajdahs.? [179] Narrated by Al-Hakim, 3472; Al-Bayhaqi, 3893, in a mawquf report.
It was narrated from ?Abdullah ibn Tha?labah that ?Umar ibn Al-Khattab (may Allah be pleased with him) led them in prayer in Al-Jabiyah [180] Al-Jabiyah: a city in Greater Syria. See: Al-Qari: Mirqat Al-Mafatih, 7/2769. ; he recited Surat Al-Hajj and prostrated in it twice. [181] Narrated by Ash-Shafa?i in Al-Umm, 8/694; Al-Hakim, 3471; Al-Bayhaqi, 3887.
Virtues and characteristics
This surah is distinct from others in that it contains two sajdahs (verses in which a prostration is required).
This is indicated by the words of Ibn ?Abbas and the actions of ?Umar (may Allah be pleased with them), as noted above. [182] The first sajdah is in the verse: Do you not see that to Allah prostrate all those who are in the heavens and on earth, the sun, the moon, the stars, the mountains, the trees, the animals, and many people? But there are also many for whom punishment is inevitable. Whomever Allah disgraces, none can honour him. Verily, Allah does whatever He wills [Al-Hajj 22:18]. The second sajdah is in the verse: O you who have believed, bow and prostrate and worship your Lord and do good - that you may prosper [Al-Hajj 22:77].
Makki or Madani?
The scholars differed regarding this surah, and there are several views:
1. That is it Madani. [183] Those who favoured the view that the entire surah is Madani include: ?Abd Ar-Razzaq and Al-Mawardi. See: Tafsir ?Abd Ar-Razzaq, 2/396; Tafsir Al-Mawardi, 4/5.
2. That it is Makki. [184] Those who favoured the view that the entire surah is Makki include: ?Abd Al-Qahir Al-Jarjani, Ibn Kathir and An-Nafasi. See: ?Abd Al-Qahir Al-Jarjani: Darj Ad-Durar fi Tafsir Al-Ayi wa As-Suwar, 3/1245; Tafsir Ibn Kathir, 5/389; Tafsir An-Nafasi, 2/426.
3. That it is mixed. [185] Those who favoured the view that the surah is mixed, meaning that some of it is Makki and some of it is Madani, include: Ibn ?Atiyyah, Al-Qurtubi ? who attributed this view to the majority ?, and Muhammad Rashid Rida. See: Tafsir Ibn ?Atiyyah, 4/105; Tafsir Al-Qurtubi, 12/1; Muhammad Rashid Rida: Tafsir Al-Manar, 7/240.
Objectives
The most important objectives of Surat Al-Hajj include:
Explaining the concept of Tawhid and establishing proof for it, and affirming the resurrection. [186] See: At-Tantawi: At-Tafsir Al-Wasit, 9/270.
Topics?????
The most significant topics addressed in Surat Al-Hajj include:
The surah begins with the command to fear Allah; it speaks of the terrors of the Day of Resurrection and the different states people will be in on that day.
Evidence that the resurrection is true.
The arguments of the polytheists and the worship of the hypocrites.
Allah?s judging between His slaves; everything in the universe prostrates to Allah; many people are deserving of punishment.
Contrast between the two groups, the believers and the disbelievers, who dispute concerning their Lord, and the outcome for each of them.
The obligation of Hajj, and the benefits that Allah has ordained in it.
Warning against associating others with Allah (shirk).
Granting permission to the Muslims to fight, the guarantee of victory and making them prevail in the land.
Consoling the Prophet (blessings and peace of Allah be upon him) for the rejection that he faced.
Giving examples of the rejection of the disbelievers in the past, and how some of the disbelievers were punished and destroyed; stories of towns that were destroyed with the wrongdoers in them.
Highlighting some examples of the scheming of the Shaytan against the messengers and prophets to undermine their call, and how Allah supported His message; and how Allah confirms His revelations.
Reminder of the different types of blessings that Allah, may He be Glorified and Exalted, bestows on people; Allah chose some of the angels and made them messengers to people.
Advice to the believers to worship Allah, may He be Glorified and Exalted,, do good deeds, strive in jihad, establish prayer, give zakah and hold fast to Allah.