Names
This surah is called Surat Al-Qadr. [550] See: Al-Fayruzabadi: Basa?ir Dhawi At-Tamyiz, 1/531.
Makki or Madani?
There is a difference of scholarly opinion regarding Surat Al-Qadr. It was said that it is Makki [551] Those who favoured the view that it is Makki include Al-Wahidi, Al-Baghawi and Ibn Kathir. See: Al-Wahidi: Al-Wasit, 4/532; Tafsir Al-Baghawi, 5/283; Tafsir Ibn Kathir, 8/441. , and it was said that it is Madani. [552] Those who favoured the view that it is Madani include: Muqatil ibn Sulayman, Az-Zajjaj and Makki. See: Tafsir Muqatil ibn Sulayman, 4/769; Az-Zajjaj: Ma?ani Al-Qur?an wa I?rabuhu, 5/347; Makki: Al-Hidayah ila Bulugh An-Nihayah, 12/8365.
Objectives
The most important objectives of this surah include:
Mentioning the virtues of Laylat Al-Qadr, and highlighting the sublime status of the Qur?an which was revealed on that night. [553] See: Tafsir Ibn ?Ashur, 30/461.
Topics
The most significant topics addressed in Surat Al-Qadr include:
Drawing attention to and affirming the sublime and lofty status of the Qur?an.
Highlighting the virtue of the night on which the Qur?an was revealed, which is Laylat Al-Qadr, and encouragement to spend that night in prayer and worship.