Al-Ḥijr
This sūrah encompasses discussions about the mockery of the disbelievers towards the Prophet. They accused him of madness and claimed that the Noble Qur’an was the rambling of a madman. In response, the sūrah offers consolation to the Prophet, commanding him to remain patient, steadfast, and forgiving towards them. It aims to uplift his noble spirit, while also serving as a warning and glad tidings.
The sūrah is Meccan, as indicated by its verses. There is a report in al-Majma’, from al-Ḥasan, that excludes the verse, “Certainly We have given you the seven oft-repeated verses and the great Qur’an” () and “Even as We sent down on the dividers, who reduced the Qur’an into pieces” (). Further details will follow.
The sūrah also includes the divine instruction: “So proclaim what you have been commanded, and turn away from the polytheists.” This verse aligns with historical accounts stating that the Prophet was discreet about his mission for the first three, four, or five years due to the difficulties he faced. He would only invite specific individuals whom he hoped would embrace faith, doing so in secrecy, until his Lord permitted him to publicly announce his mission.
Supporting this, there are narrations from both Shia and Sunni sources confirming that the Prophet kept his mission secret in the initial years, not revealing it to the public until the revelation of “So proclaim what you have been commanded, and turn away from the polytheists. Indeed, We will suffice you against the deriders.” After this revelation, he came forth and openly invited people to his mission. Therefore, the sūrah is Meccan and was revealed at the beginning of the public call to faith.
Among the profound Qur’anic verses in this sūrah are: “And there is not a thing but its treasuries are with Us” (), and “Indeed, We have sent down the Reminder, and indeed, We will preserve it” ().
This is the ʿAllāmah's introduction to the sūrah, from the opening of the commentary.