?Names
This surah is called Surat Al-Qamar. [356] See: Al-Fayruzabadi: Basa?ir Dhawi At-Tamyiz, 1/445.
Virtues and characteristics
It is Sunnah to recite Surat Al-Qamar in the second rak?ah of the Eid prayer.
It was narrated from ?Ubaydullah ibn ?Abdillah that ?Umar ibn Al-Khattab asked Abu Waqid Al-Laythi: What did the Messenger of Allah (S) recite in Al-Adha and Al-Fitr? He said: He used to recite: Qaf. By the Glorious Qur?an Qaf 50 and The Hour has drawn nigh and the moon has split Al-Qamar 54. [357] Narrated by Muslim, 891.
Makki or Madani?
Surat Al-Qamar is Makki; more than one of the commentators narrated that there was consensus regarding that. [358] Those who narrated that there was consensus regarding that include: Ibn ?Atiyyah, Ibn Al-Jawzi and Al-Fayruzabadi. See: Tafsir Ibn ?Atiyyah, 5/192; Tafsir Ibn Al-Jawzi, 4/196; Al-Fayruzabadi: Basa?ir Dhawi At-Tamyiz, 1/445.
Objectives
The most important objectives of this surah include:
The ways in which Allah, may He be Glorified and Exalted, deals with His creation, one of the greatest examples of which is supporting the believers and causing the defeat of the disbelievers. [359] At-Tantawi: At-Tafsir Al-Wasit, 14/94.
Topics
The most significant topics addressed in Surat Al-Qamar include:
Warning of the approach of the Day of Resurrection; pointing out the arrogant attitude of the polytheists in their rejection of the clear signs and their denial of the truth after it had come to them.
The command to the Messenger (blessings and peace of Allah be upon him) to turn away from them until the judgement of Allah came regarding them.
Warning the polytheists of the state of humiliation, regret and remorse in which they will find themselves on the Day of Resurrection.
Mention of the stories of earlier nations, such as the people of Nuh, ?Ad, Thamud, and the people of Pharaoh, and what they encountered of requital for their disbelief, and what befell them of doom and destruction.
Rebuking the polytheists for not paying heed to this warning, and mention of what they will face of punishment in the hereafter, by way of humiliating and scorning them.
Highlighting the manifestations of Allah?s might and the extent of His wisdom; everything happens by His will and decree, and His will is always done in this universe; He has encompassed their deeds and all things in His knowledge.
The surah ends with glad tidings to the righteous of good consequences, and what they will be given of honour.