Names
This surah is called Surat Al-Jathiyah. [293] See: Al-Fayruzabadi: Basa?ir Dhawi At-Tamyiz, 1/426; Tafsir Ibn ?Ashur, 25/323.
Virtues and characteristics
It was narrated that Al-Muhallab ibn Abi Sufrah said: Someone who heard the Prophet (blessings and peace of Allah be upon him) told me that he said: ?If you are attacked at night, let your watchword be Ha-Mim; they will not prevail.? [294] Narrated via Abu Dawud, 2597; At-Tirmidhi, 1682; Ahmad, 16615.
Makki or Madani?
Surat Al-Jathiyah is Makki, and it was narrated that there was consensus regarding that. [295] Those who narrated that there was consensus regarding that include Ibn ?Atiyyah, Al-Fayruzabadi and Al-Biqa?i. See: Tafsir Ibn ?Atiyyah, 5/69; Al-Fayruzabadi: Basa?ir Dhawi At-Tamyiz, 1/426; Al-Biqa?i: Masa?id An-Nazr,.
Objectives
The most important objectives of Surat Al-Jathiyah include:
Affirming that Allah, may He be Glorified and Exalted, alone is divine and deserving of worship. [296] See: Tafsir Ibn ?Ashur, 25/324. See also: Al-Fayruzabadi: Basa?ir Dhawi At-Tamyiz, 1/426.
Affirming the resurrection and describing some of its terrors; mentioning some of the views of the polytheists having to do with the resurrection, and refutation of those views. [297] See: Tafsir Ibn ?Ashur, 25/324; At-Tantawi: At-Tafsir Al-Wasit, 13/140.
Topics
The most significant topics addressed in Surat Al-Jathiyah include:
Praise for the Holy Qur?an; reference to the signs of Allah that are scattered throughout the universe at the beginning of the surah; warning the fabricators of the most severe kinds of punishment? because of their persisting in their disbelief and their making a mockery of the signs of Allah.
Some aspects of the blessings that Allah, may He be Glorified and Exalted, bestows on His creation.
The attitude of the Israelites towards the blessings of Allah, may He be Glorified and Exalted,, and their disputes and transgression.
The command to the Prophet (blessings and peace of Allah be upon him) to adhere to the religion of Allah and follow His law; the prohibition of following the whims and desires of the ignorant.
Some of the false arguments of the disbelievers, with refutation thereof and proof of their falseness, and confirmation that they are lying.
Some of the terrors and events of the Day of Resurrection, the fate of the good people and the fate of the evil people.
The surah ends with Allah, may He be Glorified and Exalted, praising Himself as He deserves.