Names
This surah is called Surat Al-Qalam. [420] See: As-Sakhawi: Jamal Al-Qurra? wa Kamal Al-Iqra?, p. 92; Al-Fayruzabadi: Basa?ir Dhawi At-Tamyiz, 1/476.
Virtues and characteristics
Surat Al-Qalam was one of the first parts of the Holy Qur?an to be revealed. [421] See: Tafsir ar-Razi, 30/603; Tafsir Al-Alusi, 15/26.
It is the last of the surahs ? according to the sequence of surahs in the Mus-haf ? that begin with a single letter (Al-huruf Al-muqatta?ah). [422] See: At-Tantawi: At-Tafsir Al-Wasit, 15/36.
Makki or Madani?
Surat Al-Qalam is Makki, and it was narrated that there was consensus regarding that. [423] Those who narrated that there was consensus regarding that include: Ubn ?Atiyyah, Ibn Al-Jawzi and Al-Biqa?i. See: Tafsir Ibn ?Atiyyah, 5/317; Tafsir Ibn Al-Jawzi, 4/318; Al-Biqa?i: Masa?id An-Nazr, 3/110.
Objectives
The most important objectives of this surah include:
Refuting the accusations that the polytheists made against the Prophet (blessings and peace of Allah be upon him), and highlighting their misguidance. [424] See: Tafsir Ibn ?Ashur, 29/58.
Affirming the perfect qualities of the Prophet (blessings and peace of Allah be upon him) in this world and the hereafter, and reassuring him. [425] Ibid.
Topics?????
The most significant topics addressed in Surat Al-Qalam include:
Challenging the polytheists with this Holy Qur?an.
Praising the Prophet (blessings and peace of Allah be upon him) with the best types of praise, and consoling him for what he faced from his enemies.
Forbidding the Prophet (blessings and peace of Allah be upon him) to compromise with the polytheists, soften his approach to them or go along with any of their devious suggestions.
Highlighting the bad attitude of some of the disbelievers, and their requital.
Comparing the test of the people of Makkah to that of the people of the garden, so that they might pay heed.
Comparing the fates of the good and the evil.
Highlighting the foolishness of the polytheists and rebuking them, establishing proof against them and warning them.
The surah ends by reassuring the Prophet (blessings and peace of Allah be upon him) and instructing him to bear with patience the trouble and annoyance caused by his enemies.