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Names

This surah is called Surat As-Saffat. [257] See: Al-Fayruzabadi: Basa?ir Dhawi At-Tamyiz, 1/393; Tafsir Ibn ?Ashur, 23/81.
It was narrated that Ibn ?Umar (may Allah be pleased with them) said: The Messenger of Allah (blessings and peace of Allah be upon him) used to enjoin us to make our prayer brief, yet he would lead us in prayer and recite As-Saffat. [258] Narrated by An-Nasa?i, 826; Ahmad, 4796.

Virtues and characteristics

The Prophet (blessings and peace of Allah be upon him) used to recite this surah when he led them in prayer, as mentioned in the hadith of Ibn ?Umar quoted above.

Makki or Madani?

Surat As-Saffat is Makki; more than one of the commentators narrated that there was consensus regarding that. [259] Those who narrated that there was consensus regarding that include Ibn Al-Jawzi, Al-Qurtubi and Al-Fayruzabadi. See: Tafsir Ibn Al-Jawzi, 3/535; Tafsir Al-Qurtubi, 15/61; Al-Fayruzabadi: Basa?ir Dhawi At-Tamyiz, 1/393.

Objectives

The most important objectives of this surah include:
Establishing proof of the oneness of Allah, may He be Glorified and Exalted,, and that the resurrection is true. [260] See: Tafsir Ibn ?Ashur, 23/81; At-Tantawi: At-Tafsir Al-Wasit, 12/64.

Topics

The most significant topics addressed in Surat As-Saffat include:
Swearing by different types of the angels to attest to the oneness of Allah, may He be Glorified and Exalted,.
Several proofs for the oneness of Allah, may He be Glorified and Exalted,.
The eavesdropping of the devils, and their being pelted with shooting stars.
Some of the specious arguments of the polytheists who denied the resurrection, and refutation thereof.
Some of the scenes of the Day of Resurrection, and the description of the state of the polytheists on the Day of requital, what has been prepared for them, and how they will argue and blame one another; a description of the good state of the believers and their bliss; the discussion that will take place between the people of Paradise and the people of Hell.
Some aspects of the stories of the Prophets: the stories of Nuh; Ibrahim with his people and with his son Isma?il; Musa and Harun; Ilyas, Lut and Yunus (peace be upon them).
The corrupt beliefs of the polytheists and their saying that the angels were daughters of Allah, and that there was kinship between Allah and the jinn.
The differences between the angels in terms of worship; Allah?s promise to His Messenger of help and support.
The surah ends by declaring Allah, may He be Glorified and Exalted, to be far above all shortcomings, and with greetings of salaam to His Messengers.

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