Names
This surah is called Surat Saba?. [245] See: Al-Fayruzabadi: Basa?ir Dhawi At-Tamyiz, 1/382; Tafsir Ibn ?Ashur, 22/133.
Makki or Madani?
Surat Saba? is Makki, and it was narrated that there was consensus regarding that. [246] Those who narrated that there was consensus regarding that include: Ibn Al-Jawzi, Al-Fayruzabadi and Al-Biqa?i. See: Tafsir Ibn Al-Jawzi, 3/498; Al-Fayruzabadi: Basa?ir Dhawi At-Tamyiz, 1/382; Al-Biqa?i: Masa?id An-Nazr, 2/376.
Objectives
The most important objectives of Surat Saba? include:
Presenting an argument to shake the foundations of shirk, and responding to the specious argument of the polytheists. [247] See: Tafsir Ibn ?Ashur, 22/134; At-Tantawi: At-Tafsir Al-Wasit, 11/261.
Proof of the oneness of Allah (Tawhid) and the truthfulness of the Prophet (blessings and peace of Allah be upon him). [248] See: Al-Fayruzabadi: Basa?ir Dhawi At-Tamyiz, 1/382.
Topics
The most significant topics addressed in Surat Saba? include:
The surah begins with praise of Allah (blessings and peace of Allah be upon him), to Whom belongs all that is in the heavens and earth, and to Whom belongs praise in the hereafter; highlighting the vastness of His knowledge.
The polytheists? disbelief in the resurrection; some of their false views, with the refutation thereof.
Some aspects of the story of Allah?s Prophet Dawud (peace be upon him) and his son Sulayman (peace be upon him).
The story of the tribe of Saba? and their ultimate fate.
Establishing proof for the oneness and might of Allah, may He be Glorified and Exalted,, and the obligation to devote worship to Him alone.
Some scenes of the Day of Resurrection, and the debate that will take place between the followers and those whom they followed.
Refutation of the affluent people who claimed that their wealth and their children would benefit them on the Day of Resurrection.
Calling the disbelievers to think and reflect on the message of the Messenger (blessings and peace of Allah be upon him).
A warning to the disbelievers of a bad end if they persist in their disbelief and stubbornness.