Names
This surah is called Surat At-Taghabun. [402] See: Al-Fayruzabadi: Basa?ir Dhawi At-Tamyiz, 1/467; Tafsir Ibn ?Ashur, 28/258.
Virtues and characteristics
Surat At-Taghabun is the last of the surahs which begin with mention of glorifying Allah. [403] Tafsir Ibn Kathir, 8/135.
Makki or Madani?
Surat At-Taghabun is Madani. [404] As-Sam?ani said: It is Madani according to the view of the majority of scholars. Tafsir As-Sam?ani, 5/448. Al-Qurtubi said the same, and Ibn Al-Jawzi and Ibn ?Ashur attributed this view to the majority. See: Tafsir Ibn Al-Jawzi, 4/291; Tafsir Al-Qurtubi, 18/131; Tafsir Ibn ?Ashur, 28/258.
Objectives
The most important objectives of this surah include:
Highlighting the reality, causes and consequences of great loss (taghabun); guiding to the path that leads to victory and prosperity. [405] See: At-Tafsir Al-awdu?i li Suwar Al-Qur?an Al-Karim, 7/186, 189.
Topics
The most significant topics addressed in Surat At-Taghabun include:
All creatures glorify Allah, may He be Glorified and Exalted,, all sovereignty belongs to Allah alone, and He is the only one Who is deserving of praise; highlighting various manifestations of His might, the vastness of His knowledge,? and the favours He bestows upon His creation.
Warning the polytheists by mentioning what befell the nations who came before them, and explaining the reason why that happened to them.
Refuting the polytheists who claimed that they would never be resurrected.
Contrasting the good fate of the believers with the bad fate of the disbelievers.
Everything that happens in this universe happens by the will and decree of Allah.
Urging the believers to obey Allah and His Messenger.
Some wives and children are enemies to a man, and wealth and children may be a trial (fitnah).
Urging Muslims to be mindful of Allah (taqwa) and to spend in Allah?s cause.