Names
This surah is called Surat Muhammad. [305] See: Al-Fayruzabadi: Basa?ir Dhawi At-Tamyiz, 1/430; Tafsir Ibn ?Ashur, 26/71.
Makki or Madani?
Surat Muhammad is Madani, and it was narrated that there was consensus regarding that. [306] Those who narrated that there was consensus regarding that include: Ibn ?Atiyyah and Al-Fayruzabadi. See: Tafsir Ibn ?Atiyyah, 5/96; Al-Fayruzabadi: Basa?ir Dhawi At-Tamyiz, 1/430
Objectives
The most important objectives of this surah include:
Encouraging the Muslims to strive in jihad in Allah?s cause and to fight the polytheists and defeat them, and highlighting the bad fate that will be theirs. [307] See: Al-Biqa?i: Masa?id An-Nazr, 2/486, 26/72; Tafsir Ibn ?Ashur, 26/72; At-Tantawi: At-Tafsir Al-Wasit, 13/214.
Exposing the attitude and characteristics of the hypocrites, and warning against them. [308] See: Tafsir Ibn ?Ashur, 26/77; At-Tantawi: At-Tafsir Al-Wasit, 13/215.
Topics
The most significant topics addressed in Surat Muhammad include:
The bad fate of the disbelievers and the good fate of the believers.
Urging the believers to be harsh in fighting the disbelievers and to take them captive.
The promise of victory for the believers if they support the cause of Allah, may He be Glorified and Exalted, and His Messenger (blessings and peace of Allah be upon him); glad tidings for them of Paradise and what it contains of delights; promising the disbelievers misery and frustration, and condemning them for not reflecting and paying heed.
Some aspects of the attitude of the hypocrites towards the Prophet (blessings and peace of Allah be upon him) and his message; some of their blameworthy characteristics, such as their treachery, bad manners and cowardice when they were called to fight.
Explaining that the hypocrisy of the hypocrites was due to the Shaytan?s having gained control of them; warning to them of bad consequences during their lifetime and after their death.
Warning the disbelievers that their good deeds will be to no avail.
The command to the believers to obey Allah and His Messenger, and forbidding them to fall into despair and give up hope; glad tidings to them of divine help and victory; warning them not to be stingy and calling them to spend in Allah?s cause.