Good to get some idea about the chapter we are going to read…like perspective, geopolitics at the time, struggles of that time and time immemorial ongoing conflicts.

Following link for complete chapter, translated, explained in details:

https://islamicstudies.info/reference.php?sura=15

Useful site for collection of books for reading, listening, downloading books:

https://www.australianislamiclibrary.org/

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Surah Al-Hijr (The Rocky Tract)

Introduction by Sayyid Abul Ala Maududi

This Surah takes its name from verse 80, where the people of the Rocky Tract (Ashab al-Hijr) are mentioned.

Period of Revelation

It is clear from its topics and style that Surah Al-Hijr was revealed during the last stage of the Makkan period, just as Surah Al-An’am (Chapter 6) was revealed in the final year of that period. The intense and passionate style indicates that the opposition to the Prophet’s message had reached its peak, and therefore, the impending punishment of the disbelievers has been mentioned in a particularly forceful manner.

The central theme of the Surah is to warn the disbelievers of the consequences of ridiculing the Message, rejecting it, and showing stubbornness and hostility towards it and its Bearer. The discourse concludes with an encouragement to the Prophet (peace be upon him) and his companions, assuring them that the strategies of their enemies would ultimately fail.

Central Theme

To reinforce this theme, the Surah draws upon the narratives of previous nations—such as the people of Lot, the dwellers of Al-Ayka, and the people of Al-Hijr—who were utterly destroyed for rejecting their messengers and indulging in the same evils of disbelief, mockery, and opposition. These historical precedents serve as a grave warning to the disbelievers of Quraysh.

A significant portion of the Surah is dedicated to refuting the doubts and objections of the disbelievers regarding the Quran, Prophethood, the Hereafter, and Polytheism (Shirk). Furthermore, it consoles the believers, urging them to be steadfast in the face of persecution and to avoid any compromise with the disbelievers, reassuring them that the ultimate victory belongs to Allah and His cause.