Names
This surah is called Al-Mu?minin or Al-Mu?minun. [187] See: Al-Fayruzabadi: Basa?ir Dhawi At-Tamyiz, 1/329; Tafsir Al-Qasimi, 7/280.
It was narrated that ?Abdullah ibn As-Sa?ib (may Allah be pleased with him) said: The Prophet (blessings and peace of Allah be upon him) led us in Fajr prayer in Makkah. He started to recite Surat Al-Mu?minin until he reached the verses that mention Musa and Harun, or ?Isa ? Muhammad ibn ?Abbad [188] One of the narrators of the hadith. was uncertain, or they differed concerning him ? then the Prophet (blessings and peace of Allah be upon him) was overcome by a cough, so he bowed, and ?Abdullah ibn As-Sa?ib was present on that occasion. [189] Narrated by Muslim, 455.
Makki or Madani?
Surat Al-Mu?minun is Makki, and more than one of the commentators narrated that there was consensus regarding that. [190] Those who narrated that there was consensus regarding that include: Ibn Al-Jawzi, Al-Qurtubi and Abu Hayyan. See: Tafsir Ibn Al-Jawzi, 3/254; Tafsir Al-Qurtubi, 12/102; Tafsir Ibn Hayyan, 7/545.
Objectives
The most important objectives of this surah include:
Explaining the concept of divine oneness and proving that ascribing partners to Allah is wrong and false. [191] See: Tafsir Ibn ?Ashur, 18/6.
Confirming the prophethood of Muhammad (blessings and peace of Allah be upon him) and refuting the disbelievers who deny it. [192] See: Tafsir Al-Qasimi, 1/96.
Describing the characteristics and qualities of the people of Islam. [193] See: Al-Fayruzabadi: Basa?ir Dhawi At-Tamyiz, 1/329.
Topics?????
The most significant topics addressed in Surat Al-Mu?minun include:
Some of the characteristics of the believers, and what Allah has prepared for those who attain these characteristics.
The phases of man?s creation, which point to the oneness of Allah, may He be Glorified and Exalted, and His power to resurrect him.
Some manifestations of Allah?s greatness in the universe.
Some aspects of the stories of the Prophets, their people?s attitude towards them, and what the consequences were.
Instructing the messengers to eat what is lawful and good, and to persist in doing righteous deeds; affirming that the religion of all the prophets is one and the same.
The attitude of the polytheists towards the call of Islam and their fate on the Day of Resurrection, along with a refutation of their invalid specious arguments, and consoling and reassuring the Prophet (blessings and peace of Allah be upon him).
Some evidence for the oneness and might of Allah, such as the creation of their hearing, sight and intellect, their being created from the earth; making them testify against themselves by affirming that the Creator is Allah.
Instructing the Messenger (blessings and peace of Allah be upon him) to ignore the mistreatment of the polytheists, and repel evil with that which is good, and to seek refuge with Allah from the devils.
One of the events of the Day of Resurrection and what awaits the polytheists on that day; their state and how they will be when death befalls them.
The surah ends with Allah?s command to His Prophet to turn to Him and seek mercy and forgiveness.