Names
This surah is called by several names, including the following:
Surat As-Sajdah. [228] See: Al-Fayruzabadi: Basa?ir Dhawi At-Tamyiz, 1/373.
Surat Alif-Lam-Mim Tanzil. [229] Al-Biqa?i: Masa?id An-Nazr li?l-Ishraf ?ala Maqasid As-Suwar, 2/359.
It was narrated from Abu Hurayrah (may Allah be pleased with him), from the Prophet (blessings and peace of Allah be upon him), that he used to recite in Fajr on Fridays: Alif-Lam-Mim Tanzil (This is the Revelation) As-Sajdah 32 and Hal ata ?ala Al-insan (Was there not a period of time when man?) Al-Insan 76. [230] Narrated by Muslim, 880.
Surat Alif-Lam-Mim Tanzil As-Sajdah.??
It was narrated that Abu Hurayrah (may Allah be pleased with him) said: The Prophet (blessings and peace of Allah be upon him) used to recite in Fajr on Friday: Alif-Lam-Mim Tanzil (This is the Revelation) As-Sajdah and Hal ata ?ala Al-insani hinun min Ad-Dahr? (Has there not come upon man a period of time?) Al-Insan 76. [231] Narrated by Al-Bukhari, 891; Muslim, 880. ?
Virtues and characteristics
It is recommended to recite this surah in Fajr prayer on Fridays.
That is because of the hadith of Abu Hurayrah quoted above.
In this surah there is a sajdah in the verse:
Only those believe in Our verses who, when they are reminded by them, fall down in prostration and exalt Allah with praise of their Lord, and they are not arrogant
As-Sajdah 32:15. [232] Ibn Battal said: The jurists are unanimously agreed on the prostration in Surat Tanzil. Sharh Sahih Al-Bukhari, 3/54.
It was narrated that Sahl ibn Sa?d As-Sa?idi said: I was present with the Messenger of Allah (S) in a gathering where he described Paradise, and at the end of his talk he said:? ?There is in it that which no eye has seen, no ear has heard, nor has it ever crossed the mind of man.? Then he recited this verse:

who forsake their beds, [233] This refers to staying awake to offer voluntary prayers during the night. calling upon their Lord with fear and hope, and spend out of what We have provided for them.
No soul knows what is kept hidden in store for them of delight as a reward for what they used to do
As-Sajdah 32:16-17. [234] Narrated by Muslim, 2825.
It was narrated from Abu Hurayrah, from the Prophet (blessings and peace of Allah be upon him), that he said: ?Allah, may He be Glorified and Exalted, said: I have prepared for My righteous slaves that which no eye has seen, no ear has heard, nor has it ever crossed the mind of man.? This is confirmed in the Book of Allah: No soul knows what is kept hidden in store for them of delight as a reward for what they used to do As-Sajdah 32:17. [235] Narrated by Muslim, 2824.
According to another report: So recite, if you wish: No soul knows what is kept hidden in store for them of delight as a reward for what they used to do As-Sajdah 32:17. [236] Narrated by Al-Bukhari, 3244.
Makki or Madani?
Surat As-Sajdah is Makki, and it was narrated that there was consensus regarding that. [237] Those who narrated that there was consensus regarding that include Ibn Al-Jawzi and Al-Fayruzabadi. See: Tafsir Ibn Al-Jawzi, 3/437; Al-Fayruzabadi: Basa?ir Dhawi At-Tamyiz, 1/373.
Objectives
The most important objectives of Surat As-Sajdah include:
Explaining the greatness of Allah?s attributes, and His perfect power to create and command, and to resurrect and requite.
Highlighting the great status of the Qur?an, because it includes the guidance contained in this surah and others. [238] See: Al-Biqa?i: Nazm Ad-Durar, 15/222.
Topics
The most significant topics addressed in Surat As-Sajdah include:
Highlighting the status of the Qur?an, and that it was sent down from Allah; refutation of the polytheists? claim that it was fabricated.
?Allah, may He be Glorified and Exalted, alone created the heavens and the earth; some of the signs of His might and the brilliance of His creation and the creation of man.
Some of the specious arguments of the polytheists about the resurrection, and the refutation thereof.
Some of the events of the Day of Resurrection; description of the evildoers when they stand before Allah on the Day of Resurrection.
Some characteristics of the believers, what Allah has prepared for them of bliss, and what He has prepared for the evildoers in the fire of Hell.
Musa (peace be upon him) and what Allah blessed him with of giving him the Torah; and what Allah bestowed upon the righteous among his people by making them leaders of guidance.
Calling the polytheists to think and reflect on the signs of Allah.
Some aspects of the foolishness of the polytheists, and the command to the Prophet (blessings and peace of Allah be upon him) to respond to them and warn them.
The command to the Messenger (blessings and peace of Allah be upon him) to turn away from them; the promise to him of victory over them, and the command to wait and be patient.