Names
This surah is called Surat Al-Qasas. [212] See: Al-Fayruzabadi: Basa?ir Dhawi At-Tamyiz, 1/353; Tafsir Ibn ?Ashur, 20/61.
Makki or Madani?
Surat Al-Qasas is Makki, and it was narrated that there was consensus regarding that. [213] Those who narrated that there was consensus regarding that include Al-Fayruzabadi. See: Al-Fayruzabadi: Basa?ir Dhawi At-Tamyiz, 1/353.
Objectives
The most important objectives of this surah include:
Highlighting the manifestations of Allah?s might in destroying the wrongdoers and the arrogant, even if all forces on earth support them. [214] At-Tantawi: At-Tafsir Al-Wasit, 10/372.
Reassuring the believers, strengthening their resolve, and giving them glad tidings that the good outcome will be for them. [215] Op. cit., 10/371.
Pointing out humbling oneself before Allah requires referring all matters to Him. [216] Al-Biqa?i: Nazm Ad-Durar, 14/233.
Topics
The most significant topics addressed in Surat Al-Qasas include:
Highlighting the great status of the Qur?an, and pointing out that the eloquent ones among the polytheists were unable to produce a surah like it.
The tyranny and evildoing of Pharaoh, Allah?s promise to save the oppressed, and the punishment of the evildoers.
The birth of ?Isa (peace be upon him) and how Allah cared for him and protected him, and granted him wisdom and knowledge.
The story of the Egyptian and the Israelite; Musa?s migration from Egypt to Madyan; his drawing water for the two women; his marrying the daughter of the righteous man in return for working for him; his subsequent departure from Madyan; appearance of the signs of prophethood in him; Allah?s supporting him with miracles and sending him and his brother Harun (peace be upon him) to Pharaoh.
Consoling the Messenger (blessings and peace of Allah be upon him) for what he encountered from his people; evidence that this Qur?an is from Allah; the Prophet (blessings and peace of Allah be upon him) cannot guide those whom he loves, for guidance is in the hand of Allah alone; some of the views of the polytheists and the refutation thereof; some aspects of the bad fate that awaits them on the Day of Resurrection.
The story of Qarun, his transgression against the people of Musa (peace be upon him) and his being deceived by his wealth, and the consequences of transgression and arrogance.
The surah ends with the command to devote worship to Allah alone, and the prohibition on associating others with Him.