Names
This surah is called Surat Ar-Rum. [220] See: Al-Fayruzabadi: Basa?ir Dhawi At-Tamyiz, 1/365; Tafsir Ibn ?Ashur, 21/39.
It was narrated from Abu Rawh (may Allah be pleased with him) that he prayed Fajr with the Prophet (blessings and peace of Allah be upon him). He recited Surat Ar-Rum but he was hesitant in his recitation of one verse. When he finished the prayer, he said: ?Sometimes we become uncertain about what we are reciting of Qur?an, for some people among you pray with us but they do not do wudu? properly. So whoever attends the prayer with us, let him do wudu? properly.? [221] Narrated by Ahmad, 15874; Ibn Abi Shaybah, 34.
Makki or Madani?
Surat Ar-Rum is Makki; more than one of the commentators narrated that there was consensus regarding that. [222] Those who narrated that there was consensus regarding that include: Ibn ?Atiyyah, Ibn Al-Jawzi and Al-Qurtubi. See: Tafsir Ibn ?Atiyyah, 4/380; Tafsir Ibn Al-Jawzi, 3/415; Tafsir Al-Qurtubi, 14/1.
Objectives
The most important objectives of Surat Ar-Rum include:
Establishing proof for the oneness of Allah, and declaring association of others with Him to be false. [223] See: Tafsir Ibn ?Ashur, 21/60.
Affirming the resurrection and requital in the hereafter. [224]See: Al-Biqa?i: Nazm Ad-Durar, 15/1.
Topics
The most significant topics addressed in Surat Ar-Rum include:
Referring to the war between the Persians and Byzantines, which had ended in victory for the Persians; the promise that the Byzantines would prevail over them after that.
Urging the disbelievers to reflect on what Allah has created in the heavens and on earth and in between them, and to travel throughout the land to see what was the fate of the nations who came before them; warning them of a bad end.
The issue of creation and re-creation, and that Allah alone is able to do them; and to Him all creatures will return.
Explaining some of what will happen on the Day of Resurrection, and the fate of the believers and disbelievers.
Counting some of the greatest signs of Allah which are indicative of His oneness.
Urging people to adhere to the true religion and follow it, and telling them not to follow the path of the polytheists.
People?s attitude and condition at times of ease and of hardship; calling them to be compassionate and kind to one another; and warning against riba (usury).
It is Allah Who creates, grants provision, gives life and causes death, and those that the polytheists ascribe as partners to Allah do not have the power to do any of that.
The emergence of corruption on land and sea, the cause of which is what people do.
Consoling the Prophet (blessings and peace of Allah be upon him) because of his people?s disbelief, by telling him that this is what happened to the prophets, and that Allah wrought vengeance on those who committed evil, and He granted victory to the believers.
The main stages of man?s life, and some of the terrors of the Day of Resurrection.
The stubbornness of the disbelievers, and Allah?s command to His Prophet (blessings and peace of Allah be upon him) to be patient and remain steadfast.