Sūrat al-ʿĀdiyāt is chapter 100 of the Quran. It is unclear whether it was revealed in Mecca or Medina, however, the stronger evidence favours the latter, a view held by authorities such as al-Ḍaḥḥāk,^{‎[1]Tibyan, 10/395.} Anas ibn Mālik, and Qatādah.^{‎[2]Alusi, 15/441; Shawkani, 5/587.}

The reason for its Medinan association is because the first half of the surah (verses 1-5) introduces the narrative of jihad or hajj, both of which were established during the Prophet’s time in Medina.^{‎[3]Mizan, 20/345.} Further credence is given to the narrative of jihad, as some narrations outline the surah’s historical context of revelation, namely when Imam Ali (a) led the Battle of Dhāt al-Salāsil.^{‎[4]Tabrisi, 10/803; Mizan, 20/345.}  

The surah consists of eleven verses.^{‎[5]Thalabi, 10/268; Nawawi, 2/657; Ṭabarānī, al-Tafsīr al-Kabīr, 6/542.} It correlates with the previous surah, al-Zilzāl (99), as many elements overlap between the two chapters, such as the mention of resurrection, judgement, and man’s destiny of reward and punishment. Both surahs seek to admonish man by explaining the nature of earthly life and its impacts in the hereafter.^{‎[6]Tabrisi, 10/802; Alusi, 15/441.}  

The surah begins with God’s oaths on the exceptionally fine details and events which transpire during jihad which are often ignored, as a way of grabbing the reader’s attention (verses 1-5). The build-up of these oaths is to focus on its subject which is the ingratitude of man (verse 6). It highlights, because of man’s acute love for wealth and earthly pleasures, he forgets and is ungrateful for the blessings that he possesses, and he is most surely aware of this deficiency. It will be God’s proof over him, and eventually it will be used as a testimony during the divine judgement (verses 7-8).^{‎[7]Mizan, 20/345.} The closing verses indicate the omniscience of God, and careful attention is given to the precision of His judgement and administration of justice, in which no good or evil shall be overlooked. This serves as a warning for the evildoer and motivation for the obedient to persevere in good actions (verses 9-11).

Regarding the cause of revelation:

1. Ḥalabī says: ‘I asked Abā ʿAbd-Allāh (a) the meaning of the snorting chargers [verse 1] and he replied: “The Prophet appointed ʿUmar ibn al-Khaṭṭāb to secretly lead a military expedition against the enemies. He failed and returned, blaming his companions of cowardice, and they accused him of weakness. When the news reached the Prophet, he said to Ali (a): ‘You are to oversee the legion, so prepare yourself for battle and take with you whomever you wish from the Muhājirūn and Anṣār.’ He also instructed: ‘Travel during the day and be secretive in the night, and do not lose sight of the enemies.’ Imam Ali (a) executed the orders of the Prophet and he proceeded towards the enemies, and in the break of dawn the Muslims ambushed them. It was under these circumstances that the revelation of the panting chargers was revealed.”’^{‎[8]Nur, 5/652.}
2. Muqātil said: ‘The Messenger of God sent a military expedition to a clan of Kinānah under the authority of Mundhir ibn ʿAmr al-Anṣārī. The Prophet was aggrieved when there was no news of them for some time, and the hypocrites said that they have all been killed. God then relayed news of this expedition to the Prophet and revealed, By the snorting chargers [verse 1] … meaning the horses of the expedition.’^{‎[9]Tabrisi, 10/802; Tibyan, 10/398.}
3. It is said the revelation of this surah occurred when the Prophet sent Imam Ali (a) towards the Battle of Dhāt al-Salāsil to confront the enemy and subdue them. This was after the Prophet had sent multiple companions beforehand, all of whom failed. It is an incident mentioned by Imam al-Ṣādiq (a) in a lengthy hadith. He said this battle was named Dhāt al-Salāsil because indeed the Imam was dominant over his enemies.^{‎[10]The battle took place in 8 AH, in which many pagans were captured and bound in chains.} After the incident, the Prophet came to his people, performed the morning prayers, reciting within it this chapter. Upon its completion, the companions enquired about the new revelation, as they were not familiar with it. The Prophet said: ‘Yes, indeed Ali was victorious over his enemies, God and His angel Gabriel have given glad tidings.’^{‎[11]Qummi, 2/438, footnote by the editor.}

[1] Tibyan, 10/395.
[2] Alusi, 15/441; Shawkani, 5/587.
[3] Mizan, 20/345.
[4] Tabrisi, 10/803; Mizan, 20/345.
[5] Thalabi, 10/268; Nawawi, 2/657; Ṭabarānī, al-Tafsīr al-Kabīr, 6/542.
[6] Tabrisi, 10/802; Alusi, 15/441.
[7] Mizan, 20/345.
[8] Nur, 5/652.
[9] Tabrisi, 10/802; Tibyan, 10/398.
[10] The battle took place in 8 AH, in which many pagans were captured and bound in chains.
[11] Qummi, 2/438, footnote by the editor.