Names
This surah is called Surat Al-Bayyinah.
It is also called Lam yakun illadhina kafaru (Those who disbelieved among the People of the Scripture ?). [554] See: Tafsir Ibn ?Ashur, 30/467.
It was narrated from Anas ibn Malik (may Allah be pleased with him) that the Prophet (blessings and peace of Allah be upon him) said to Ubayy ibn Ka?b: ?Allah has commanded me to recite to you: Lam yakun illadhina kafaru (Those who disbelieved among the People of the Scripture ?).? He said: Did He mention me by name to you? He said: ?Yes.? And Ubayy wept. [555] Narrated by Al-Bukhari, 3809; Muslim, 799. A
Makki or Madani?
Surat Al-Bayyinah is Madani [556] Those who favoured the view that it is Madani include: Muqatil ibn Sulayman, Az-Zajjaj and As-Samarqandi. See: Tafsir Muqatil, 4/777; Az-Zajjaj: Ma?ani Al-Qur?an wa I?rabuhu, 5/349; Tafsir As-Samarqandi, 3/603. ; it was also said that it is Makki. [557] Those who favoured the view that it is Makki include: Al-Baghawi, Az-Zamakhshari and Ibn ?Atiyyah. See: Tafsir Al-Baghawi, 5/290; Tafsir Az-Zamakhshari, 4/781; Tafsir Ibn ?Atiyyah, 5/507.
Objectives
The most important objectives of this surah include:
Rebuking the polytheists and the People of the Book for their rejection of the Qur?an and the Messenger (blessings and peace of Allah be upon him), and highlighting their fate and the fate of the believers. [558] See: Tafsir Ibn ?Ashur, 30/468.
Topics?????
The most significant topics addressed in Surat Al-Bayyinah include:
Rebuking the People of the Book and the polytheists for their stubbornly persisting in their misguidance after the truth had become clear to them.
Expressing astonishment at how they contradicted themselves, and explaining that their disbelief was because of their denial, stubbornness and envy of the Prophet (blessings and peace of Allah be upon him).
Stating that they are the worst of people, and that the believers are the best of people.
Praise for those who believe and do righteous deeds, and mention of their reward in the hereafter.