Al-Bayyinah
Chapter 98 · The Clear Evidence · 8 verses
This sūrah was revealed in Medina and consists of 8 verses. It establishes the Prophet’s mission to the People of the Book and the polytheists. In other words, he was sent to both the followers of previous religions, and others. This effectively means a universal message for humanity at large. This is an expression of God’s custom to guide all humankind, as reflected in verses like: We have guided him to the path, whether he be grateful or ungrateful (); and there is not a people but a warner has gone among them. ().
This chapter proves the Prophet’s universal message by stating that it consists of the beliefs and actions which are necessary for the development of humankind. We shall see this below, by God’s will.
The sūrah could be either Meccan or Medinan, although it best resembles the Medinan chapters.
This is the ʿAllāmah's introduction to the sūrah, from the opening of the commentary.