Names
This surah is called Surat Al-?Ankabut. [217] See: Al-Fayruzabadi: Basa?ir Dhawi At-Tamyiz, 1/359.
?Makki or Madani?
Surat Al-?Ankabut is Makki, and it was narrated that there was consensus regarding that. [218] Those who narrated that there was consensus regarding that include Al-Fayruzabadi. See: Al-Fayruzabadi: Basa?ir Dhawi At-Tamyiz, 1/359.
Objectives
The most important objectives of Surat Al-?Ankabut include:
Mentioning tests and trials, and highlighting the condition of people who are struck by calamity in this world and the hereafter. [219] See: Ibn Al-Qayyim: Shifa? Al-?Alil, p. 247.
Topics
The most significant topics addressed in Surat Al-?Ankabut include:
The true nature of faith; tests and trials are inevitable; the fate of the believers, hypocrites and disbelievers; advice to be kind to parents; the attitude of the hypocrites; the disbelievers try to tempt the believers to give up their faith.
Some aspects of the stories of the messengers with their people, including the stories of Nuh, Ibrahim, Lut, Shu?ayb, Hud, Salih and Musa (peace be upon them); then the stories end with reference to the bad consequences that befell the disbelievers among the peoples of these messengers.
Giving a likeness of the condition of the disbelievers by mention of the spider which built a house that is the flimsiest of houses.
The command to the Messenger (blessings and peace of Allah be upon him) to recite the Book and to establish prayer.
Prohibition on debating with the People of the Book except in the way that is best, except those of them who do wrong; guiding the believers as to what they should say to them.
Establishing some proof that this Qur?an is from Allah.
Highlighting some of the contradictions of the polytheists, for they acknowledge that Allah is the Creator of the heavens and the earth, yet despite that they still ascribe partners to Him. When they are aboard ships and the waves surround them, they call upon Allah sincerely, then when He saves them and delivers them onto dry land, they ascribe partners to Him.
The promise to the believers who strive in Allah?s cause of guidance and a good outcome.