Names
This surah is called Surat Ar-Rahman. [360] See: Tafsir Ibn ?Ashur, 27/227. It was narrated that Ibn Mas?ud (may Allah be pleased with him) said: The Messenger of Allah (blessings and peace of Allah be upon him) taught me Surat Ar-Rahman. [361] Narrated by Ibn Hibban, 747.
Makki or Madani?
Surat Ar-Rahman is Makki, and it was narrated that there was consensus regarding that. [362] Those who narrated that there was consensus regarding that it is Makki include Al-Fayruzabadi. See: Al-Fayruzabadi: Basa?ir Dhawi At-Tamyiz, 1/447.
Objectives
The most important objectives of this surah include:
A reminder of Allah?s greatness; explaining some aspects of the blessings He bestows upon His creation in this world and the hereafter; condemnation of those who failed to show what was required of gratitude for those blessings. [363] See: Tafsir Al-Maraghi, 27/104; Tafsir Ibn ?Ashur, 27/276; At-Tantawi: At-Tafsir Al-Wasit, 14/126.
Topics
The most significant topics addressed in Surat Ar-Rahman include:
The surah begins with praise of Allah, may He be Glorified and Exalted,, and reminding people of the favour He bestowed on them by teaching them the Qur?an.
Some aspects of the manifestations of His might and the blessings He bestows upon His creation.
A reminder that everything on the face of the earth will perish, and the only thing that will remain is His Countenance.
A challenge to the jinn and humankind to pass beyond the confines of the heavens and the earth, if they are able.
Highlighting the terrors of the Day of Resurrection, the bad outcome for the disbelievers, and a good outcome for the believers; a description of what Allah has prepared for the believers of bliss.
The surah ends with veneration and praise of Allah.