The Chronology of the Quran: Third Episode
By Dr. Aslam Abdullah

Fifteenth day

53. Yusuf (Joseph) (12)

Makkah

Yusuf is the 53rd Surah revealed upon the Prophet. In the traditionally arranged Quran, it is the 12th Surah. It was revealed in Makkah and has 111 Ayah in 12 Ruku. It testifies the integrity of the character of all the messengers and reminds people that they were chosen by the creator on the basis of the strength of their character deeply rooted in the trust in Allah. It narrates the story of Prophet Joseph who suffered betrayal after betrayals from his family, captors, adopted family, prisoners with whom he shares a prison cell, yet he remained committed to the divine guidance to ultimately triumph. It says that the strength of character is the foundation of beating all odds.

54. Al-Hijr (15)

Makkah

Al-Hijr is the 54^th Surah according to the order of revelation and it is the 15th in the traditionally arranged Quran. It was revealed in Makkah and has 99 Ayah divided into six Ruku. It repeats the foundational message of the Quran on the purity and sincerity of the message of the Quran. It refers to the initial response of the people to the divine guidance that has often been a rejection of the divine call of the oneness of humanity. It invites people to seek forgiveness from God for their negligence. It draws people’s attention to the fate of the communities of Prophet Lot and Shuaib who suffered for their deviations and inability to seek forgiveness from Allah.

55. Al-An'am (The Cattle) (6)

Makkah

Al-An’am is the 6^th Surah in the traditionally arranged Quran and it is the 55th that was revealed upon the Prophet. It was revealed in Makkah and has 165 Ayah in 20 Ruku. It explains the universal features of Islam and lays emphasis on monotheism. Never in the history of humanity had Allah given a message justifying polytheism. People were the ones who invented polytheism for lack of better judgment and clarity of ideas. Monotheism is based on truth and it would ultimately prevail. One of the leading causes for people to reject faith in the oneness of Allah is their arrogance that causes ungratefulness and leads to rejecting Allah and replacing him with self idols.

56 As Saffat (Those ranked in Ranks) (37)

Makkah

As-Saffat is the 56th Surah revealed upon the Prophet and is the 37th in the chronologically arranged Quran. It was revealed in Makkah has 182 Ayah in 11 Ruku. It is the first Surah of the Quran that starts with an oath. Its focus is on the origin of human beings, their death and resurrection and it dwells upon the consequences of one’s actions in this life and hereafter. It gives admonitions to people and it warns them of dire consequences if they do not adhere to divine guidance.

Sixteenth Day

57. Luqman (31)

The 57th Surah Luqman revealed upon the Prophet is the 31st Surah in the traditionally arranged Quran. It was revealed in Makkah has 34 Ayah in four Ruku. It establishes the principle of learning from those who are wise and whose message is rooted in monotheism. It asks people to learn from the example of Luqman, a wise man who asked his son to remain steadfast on the path of monotheism. It repeats the message given in many previous Surah that the belief in one God is the key to human success. It warns people of protecting them from the deceptive nature of things that often present them as useful to people.

58. Saba' (Sheba) (34)

Makkah

Saba is the 34th Surah in the traditionally arranged Quran. It was the 58th Surah revealed upon the Prophet. It was revealed in Makkah has 54 Ayah in six Ruku. It establishes the principle of assuming responsibility of one’s actions. It reminds people that those who pretend to lead them in this world in wrong directions would be the first ones to acknowledge their mistakes. It narrates the story of Kings David and Solomon and Queen Sheba. It elaborates the concepts of monotheism, the prophethood and the day of judgment and it reminds the people that a materialistic lifestyle will not benefit human beings.

59. Az-Zumar (The Throngs) (39)

Makkah

This is the 59th Surah revealed upon the Prophet and it numbers 59th in the traditionally arranged Quran. It was revealed in Makkah and has 75 Ayah and eight Ruku. It reminds people to believe in the guidance of Allah that will free them from despair and hopelessness. It reasserts the uniqueness of monotheism and advises the people to understand the dangerous consequences of polytheism. It assures them that the creator of the universe is Allah and if the believers in him have difficulty in practicing their religion, they can migrate to another land where they can live without compromising their faith. It tells the rejecters of faith that they cannot persuade believers to renounce their faith. It reassures the humanity that Allah’s mercy is for all.

60. Al-Ghafir (Forgiving) (40)

Makkah

Al-Ghafir is the 40th Surah in the traditionally arranged Quran and in the chronological order of revelation, it numbers 60th. It has 85 Ayah in nine Ruku. It is one of the seven Surah that begins the word Ha-Mim. The others are HaMim al-Sajdah, al-Shura, al-Zukhruf, al-Dukhan, al-Jathiyah, and al-Ahqaf.  Its main theme is that false pride prevents humans from accepting the truth. It invites believers to share the divine message with the rest of humanity to remind them of the purity of the idea of monotheism, and explain the dangers of polytheism. It asks people to learn from the history especially the history of the people who lived under the yoke of Pharaoh. It tells them that the repentance is open for all but when the judgment is passed it would not be accepted.

Seventeenth day

61. Fussilat (Closely Spelled Out) (41)

Fussilat is the 61st Surah revealed upon the Prophet and comes as Surah 41st Surah in the traditionally arranged Quran. It was revealed in Makkah and has 54 Ayah spread out in six Ruku. It reminds people that an idea is best understood by people when it is presented in deeds and actions. In other words, divine guidance would become relevant to people if it is substantiated with deeds. It talks about the benefit of the divine teaching for people and asks them to reflect on the Quran being revealed upon the Prophet. It tells the rejecters of the faith that they cannot reduce the relevance and significance of the divine guidance by rejecting it. It also asks people to be polite and humble in their discourse and respond to evil with a good while inviting people for reflecting on the truth.

62. Al-Shura (Consultation) (42)

Makkah

The 42nd Surah Ash-Shura in the traditionally arranged Quran is the 62nd Surah that was revealed upon the Prophet. It was revealed in Makkah has 53 Ayah and five Ruku. It focuses on the idea of the continuity of divine guidance throughout human history. There was never a period and community in human history that did not get the chance to hear the divine guidance through the messengers selected by Allah. These messengers reminded the people of the life after this worldly life where each would be judged by God on the basis of his or her performance. It also asks people that avoiding major sins is the best way to prepare one for the next life. It also advises people to consult each other in their affairs. In another world, no single individual can claim a monopoly on wisdom.

63.Az-Zukhruf (Gold) (43)

Makkah

Az Zukhruf is the 63rd Surah revealed upon the Prophet and it is the 43rd Surah in the traditionally arranged Quran. It has 89 Ayah and nine Ruku. It asks people to take the divine revelation seriously as it is meant to help them improve their life in this and the next world. It reminds people that a materialistic lifestyle would not help them in life after death as they would leave everything behind.. I ask people to avoid polytheism and blind following and informs people that if they do not remain connected with the divine message they might be influenced by Satanic ideas. It gives glad tidings to believers who would receive rewards from the Lord for their steadfastness and belief in him.

64. Ad-Dukhan (Smoke) (44)

Makkah

Ad-Dukhan is the 44th Surah in the traditionally arranged Quran and is the 64th revealed upon the Prophet. It is one of the seven Surahs that have Ha Meem in their beginning. It was revealed in Makkah and has 59 Ayah and 3 Ruku. The Surah reminds people that their actions would have consequences and wrongdoings on their part would earn punishment. It introduces the Quran as a book that discerns right from wrong and warns people of the impact of their wrongdoings in their own life. It reassures believers of generous rewards awaiting in the life hereafter.  

Eighteenth day

65. Al-Jathiyah (Kneeling Down) (45)

Makkah

Al-Jathiyah is the 65th Surah revealed upon the Prophet and it occurs as number 45th Surah in the traditionally arranged Quran. It was revealed in Makkah and has 37 Ayah and four Ruku. It points to a historical reality that human beings have often acted in an arrogant manner, thus committing sins against God and harm against people. However, Allah is watchful of every action of every human being and would hold them accountable on the day of judgment. It warns people not to act as their own God because they would expose them to harm It tells people that none can be spared from the divine judgment.

66. Al-Ahqaf (The Sand-Dunes) (46)

Makkah

Al-Ahqaf is the 46th Surah in the traditionally arranged Quran and it is the 66th that was revealed upon the Prophet. It was revealed in Makkah and has 35 Ayah spread in four sections. It is the last in the list of seven Surah that begins with Ha Meem. With examples from the people of Aad and Thamud, who had rejected the divine guidance in the past, the Surah draws people’s attention to their own fate if they behave the same way. It rejects the notion that anyone other than Allah is capable of inventing things. It alludes to the fact that people can discover the laws of Allah to make things, but they cannot invent those rules and laws. It warns people of the consequences of their rejection.

67. Adh-Dhariyat (The Dust-Scattering Winds) (51)

Makkah

Adh-Dhariyat is the 67th Surah revealed upon the Prophet and it numbers 51 in the traditionally arranged Quran. It was revealed in Makkah and has 60 Ayah and 3 Ruku. It gives reference to the people and times of Prophets Ibrahim, Lot, Moses, Saleh, and Shuaib as well as Noah and asks the contemporaries of Prophet Muhammad and those who would come after them to learn from the past to make their position clear on divine guidance. It acknowledges the efforts that Prophet Muhammad made in establishing a community to serve Allah and inform the believers that falsehood would not survive because the righteous people are now in command.

68. Surah al-Ghashiyah (The Overshadowing Event) (88)

Makkah

Al-Ghashiyah is the 88th Surah in the traditionally arranged Quran and it was the 68th Surah revealed upon the Prophet. It was revealed in Makkah and has 26 Ayah and one Ruku. It elaborates on the idea of the end of time and tells that human beings will either be sad once they realize that they did not avail the time given in the world to do good or be happy as they realize that the good they did in the world is being acknowledged and accepted by their Creator. It also asks people to learn from the signs of Allah presented in the physical universe and communicate the message to the people. It reminds them that religion cannot be imposed upon people because it is built on the inner voice of the people with self-decision.

Nineteenth day

69. Al-Kahf (The Cave) (18

Makkah

Al-Kahf is 69^th Surah revealed upon the Prophet and numbers 18 in the traditionally arranged Quran. It was revealed in Makkah and it has 110 Ayah and 12 Ruku. This Surah is full historical references of people of Cave, Gog and Magog, the pious king Dhul Qarnain and Prophet Moses and his teacher. Through narrating their stories, the Surah invites people to draw certain conclusions. Some of them are listed here.

Allah’s message always finds a place in good hearts.

The life we are given in this world would be taken away one day, and we all would be raised once again.

Those who are grateful to Allah would be recognized and rewarded.

A mundane life would not help people on the last day of judgment, that the knowledge is a process of discovery and even with all discover the actual knowledge stays with the creator and finally what often appears is not what is real.

70. An-Nahl (The Bee) (16)

Makkah

An-Nahl is the 16th Surah in the traditionally arranged Quran. It was the 70th Surah revealed upon the Prophet. It was revealed in Makkah and has 128 Ayah and 16 Ruku. This and six other Surah, i.e., Yunus, Yusuf, Al Ra’d, Ibrahim and Hijr) were revealed one after another just before the migration to Medina.  It draws people’s attention to the physical world and everything that has been created in the cosmos and asks people to use their rational faculties to reach to the conclusion that it is one God who is the creator of all, hence human beings should not credit them for owning and controlling this world. They should remember their limitations and they should be grateful to the bounties and blessings of Allah. It also reasserts the ultimate reality that every human soul would be answerable to Allah for every action it led. It emphasizes on the universal character of the divine guidance. It rejects the notion that people have the authority to declare things forbidden or permitted because it is God who exclusively has that authority. It acknowledges the contribution of Prophet Ibrahim in laying the foundation for monotheism in an organized and structured manner.

71. Nooh (Noah) (71)

Makkah

Nooh is one of those few Surah whose order of the revelation and the arrangement in the traditional Quran is the same. It was revealed in Makkah and is the 71st Surah revealed upon the Prophet, and it is 71st in its current arrangement. It has 28 Ayah and 2 Ruku. It reminds people of the true story of Prophet Noah and the great flood. It explains the struggles he went through in delivering the message and facing stiff opposition and rejection even from amongst his own family members. It narrates the ridicule and humiliation people hurled upon him and gives the lesson that the truth never fails.

72. Ibrahim (Abraham) (14)

Makkah

Ibrahim is the 72nd Surah revealed upon the Prophet, and it numbers 14th in the traditionally arranged Quran. It was revealed in Makkah has 52 Ayah and 7 Ruku and is regarded as one of the last surahs revealed upon the Prophet. It gives details of the prayers, Prophet Ibrahim made in establishing the House of God in Makkah. It reminds people of the sacrifices and leadership of mother Hajira and son Ismail in living the mission of prophet Ibrahim. It acknowledges a historical fact that at the initial stage of their mission, all the messengers of God have faced tough times as people laugh at their claim and reject their ideas that challenge the status quo. Many were killed and many were ostracized, but none changed and compromised on the divine guidance. It pays tribute to the sacrifices of all who stood for truth. It assures people that the Satanic forces would ultimately be defeated by a determined, morally strong people.

Twentieth  day

73. Al-Anbiya' (The Prophets) (21)

Makkah

Al-Anbiya is one of those Surah not named after any word in its text. It is the 73^rd Surah revealed upon the Prophet and numbers 21st in the traditionally arranged Quran. It has Makkan origin and has 112 Ayah in seven Ruku.  It revolves around the theme of the uniqueness of Allah. Humans cannot be God or God-like and God will never be human or human life. The argument of those who say that a human cannot deliver divine guidance is refuted strongly. Even if God comes down on earth in person, the people will reject him. It also refutes the idea that life is purposeless and human beings can use it for their entertainment and playful objectives. It explains the purpose of life and asserts that not only righteous would inherit the earth but they would also replace idol worshiping as was done by Prophet Ibrahim.

74. Al-Mu'minun (The Believers) (73)

Makkah

Al-Muminun is the 74th Surah revealed upon the Prophet and it numbers 23rd in the traditionally arranged Quran? It was revealed in Makkah and has 118 Ayah and six Ruku. It focuses on sharing the divine guidance with the people and accepting the authenticity of Prophet Muhammad. It defines some of the characteristics of believers and places a high value on morality. It reminds people that the message being shared by Prophet Muhammad is the same as was shared by previous messengers. It describes Prophets as one body or one team dedicated to the same mission and purpose. It negates the idea that wealth can purchase righteousness and reminds people that Allah is the creator of everything that exists in the universe.

75. As-Sajdah (Prostration) (32)

Makkah

As-Sajdah is the 32nd Surah in the traditionally arranged Quran and it is the 75th that was revealed upon the Prophet. It was revealed in Makkah and has 30 Ayah and 3 Ruku.  It invites people to use their rationality to reach to the conclusion that there is one Creator of this universe who wants every creation to earn his blessings by accepting the guidance that he regularly sent down through his chosen messengers and he would hold everyone accountable in relation to that message.  It hopes that rational thinking would lead people out of the darkness of their ideas. It refers to the story of Prophet Moses and asks people to learn from the happenings in the past to improve their chances of success. It also makes a clear distinction between a believer and a non-believer.

76. At-Tur (Mount Sinai) (52)

Makkah

At-Tur is 76th Surah revealed upon the Prophet and it is the 52nd in the traditionally arranged Quran. It was revealed in Makkah and has 49 Ayah and two Ruku. it is refuting the claims of non-believers about Prophet Muhammad and rejecting their accusations against him. It is also refuting the argument of non-believers that Prophet Muhammad was under the spell of some magician or was promoting a new style of poetry. It also gives comfort to the Prophet and through him, all the believers that their efforts would not go waste and Allah would ensure that the truth prevails and falsehood disappears.

Twenty-First day

 77. Al-Mulk (Dominion) (67)

Makkah

Al-Mulk, which is 67th Surah in the traditionally arranged Quran is the 77th revealed upon the Prophet. It was revealed in Makkah and has 30 Ayah and two Ruku. It describes the cycle of life and death as part of the divine scheme that enables people to learn their own strength through doing good things. It also draws people’s attention to the creation in the universe and asks them to ponder over the balance that exists in everything and it reminds them that everything belongs to God and he alone is the judge and master and everyone would be held accountable for one’s actions.

78. Al-Haqqah (The Laying-Bare of the Truth) (69)

Makkah

Al-Haqqa is the 78th Surah revealed upon the Prophet and it occurs as 69th Surah in the Quran. It was revealed in Makkah and has 52 Ayah and two Ruku. Referring to historical events that took place during the time of Prophet Noah, Prophet Moses, Prophet Shuaib, and Prophet Saleh, the surah reminds the people that those who had rejected the divine guidance did not succeed and those who reject it in the present would also not succeed in the present. It also explains that the purpose of the message being given by the prophet is to ensure that human beings are liberated from the yoke of slavery imposed upon them by human beings not different from them. It asks people to take their life in their own control by rejecting false idols who are of no use to anyone.

79.  Al-Ma'arij (The Ways of Ascent) (70)

Makkah

Al-Maarij is the 70th one in the traditionally arranged Quran and it was the 79th revealed about the Prophet. It was revealed in Makkah and it has 44 Ayah and two Ruku.  It revolves around the idea of resurrection and confirms that it is an event that would certainly take place and those who denied it would suffer the consequences of their denial. It reminds people that a good character has no substitute and those who follow the divine guidance in ensuring that they live a pure and humble life with a firm belief in God would be immensely rewarded by the Lord.

80. An-Naba' (The Tiding) (78)

Makkah

An-Naba is the 80th Surah revealed upon the Prophet, and it numbers 78th in the traditionally arranged Quran. It was revealed in Makkah and has 40 Ayah in two Ruku. It refers to the debate among people on the issue of the end of time and informs the people that regardless when it would come, either soon or late, people should prepare them for it. It reassures people that all of them would be brought at one place to be held accountable for their actions. It imagines the condition of those who rejected the faith in this word by alluding to their statements on the day of judgment that they wished they were mere dust.