A Simple Guide to ISLAM
The Qur’an
~ 79 ~
The chapter An-Nasr belongs to the Madinan period and is one of
the last revelations of the Qur’an received by the Prophet. The
place of its revelation was either the precincts of Makkah at his
Farewell Pilgrimage in 10 AH, or Medina soon after his return from
the Farewell Pilgrimage.
Allah’s special succour always accompanies Dawah, the spreading
of the call of truth. The Prophet and his companions made untiring
efforts in the path of dawah. Ultimately God’s succour came and
people began embracing Islam in their thousands. A number of
neighbouring countries entered the fold of Islam. However, the
victory of believers makes them all the more humble and conscious
of their own failings. At such moments the faithful must be
overwhelmed with the realization of God’s Grace and Mercy. They
must attribute all success to the goodness and mercy of Allah.
Al-Lahab (The Flame) 111
May the hands of Abu-Lahab perish! May he himself
perish! Nothing shall his wealth and gains avail him. He
shall be burnt in a flaming fire, and his wife, laden with
faggots, shall have a rope of fibre round her neck!
This chapter was revealed at Makkah and contains five verses. This
is the only passage in the Qur’an where an opponent of the
Prophet is denounced by name. Abu Lahab, whose real name was
Abdul Uzza, was a first cousin of the Prophet’s grandfather. He
was the only member of the Prophet’s clan who bitterly opposed
him.
