Names
This surah is called Surat As-Saff. [387] See: Al-Fayruzabadi: Basa?ir Dhawi At-Tamyiz, 1/462; Tafsir Ibn ?Ashur, 28/171.
It was narrated that ?Abdullah ibn Salam said: We discussed which of us would go to the Messenger of Allah, may He be Glorified and Exalted, and ask him: which deeds are most beloved to Allah? But not one of us got up. Then the Messenger of Allah, may He be Glorified and Exalted, sent a man and we all gathered with him, and he recited this surah to us ? meaning Surat As-Saff ? in its entirety. [388] Narrated via several isnads by At-Tirmidhi, 3309; Ahmad, 23788. ?
Makki or Madani?
Surat As-Saff is Madani, and it was narrated that there was consensus regarding that. [389] Those who narrated that there was consensus regarding that include Al-Mawardi. See: Tafsir Al-Mawardi, 5/527.
Objectives
The most important objectives of this surah include:
Urging the Muslims to support the religion, strive in Allah?s cause, and respond to Allah and His Messenger. [390] See: Hashiyat At-Tibi ?ala Al-Kashshaf, 15/382; Tafsir Ibn ?Ashur, 28/173.
Topics
The most significant topics addressed in Surat As-Saff include:
Glorification of Allah, may He be Glorified and Exalted, and declaring Him to be far above anything that is not befitting to Him.
Prohibition on saying words that do not match one?s actions.
Some of what Musa (peace be upon him) said to his people, and what he faced from them of annoyance and trouble.
The call of ?Isa (peace be upon him) to the Children of Israel, and his foretelling the coming of Prophet Muhammad (blessings and peace of Allah be upon him).
The true nature of the disbelievers, namely their disbelief in Allah, and their hating to see His light prevail.
Calling the believers to strive in jihad in Allah?s cause, offering their lives and their wealth, and urging them to follow the examples of the Disciples of ?Isa.
Glad tidings that the people of faith will prevail over the people of disbelief.