Introduction to Sūrat al-Ḍuḥā

Sūrat al-Ḍuḥā is the ninety-third chapter in the Quran and it was revealed in Mecca. It is apparently the eleventh chapter that was revealed, after Sūrat al-Fajr (89) and before Sūrat al-Sharḥ (94). It consists of eleven verses in addition to the basmalah, the invocation of God’s name. It is closely connected to Sūrat al-Sharḥ (94) to the extent that they are considered as one surah.[1]

The surah introduces itself with two divine oaths (verses 1-2) that set the stage for the verses to follow by alluding to cosmological and spiritual realities. It then unequivocally refutes the claim that God has forsaken His Messenger (verse 3) and moves to announce the spiritual ascensions and turning point: socio-political victories that are in store for the Prophet and those in his camp (verses 4-5). Next, it describes three divine blessings that are bestowed upon the Messenger of God (verses 6-8). Finally, in return for these blessings, the Prophet is called to action in three ways that culminate in the proclamation of God’s message, the call to Islam (verses 9-11).

[1] Mizan, 20/312-313.