Themes and purpose:

This Makkan surah affirms the divine origin of the Quran and the reality of the Resurrection. It warns the polytheists by detailing the punishment that befell Pharaoh's people. The surah centrally features the terrifying prophecy of smoke or a dust cloud (dukhān) as a sign of impending cosmic and worldly judgment against those who mock the Prophet's call.

Context of Revelation:

Era: Makkan according to the majority view.

Context: The surah was revealed when the polytheists’ prolonged mockery of the Prophet (ﷺ) resulted in the Prophet praying for a severe affliction, which manifested as the prophesied famine that struck Makkah after the Muslims had emigrated to Madinah. The revelation serves as Allah's confirmation of the Prophet's answered prayer.

Chronology: It is counted as the 63rd surah in the order of revelation, revealed after Sūrat al-Zukhruf and before al-Jāthiyah.

Name and Ayah Count:

Name: The surah is known by two names: "Sūrat al-Dukhān" (The Smoke), for the unique mention of the “smoke” (dukhān) [10] which Allah sent as a painful warning sign to the disbelievers; and "Sūrat Ḥā-Mīm al-Dukhān" with reference to its opening letters.

Virtue: It is one of the seven Ḥawāmīmsurahs. The Prophet (ﷺ) encouraged reciting it, especially on the evening before Friday.

Ayah Count: 56 ayahs (Madīnah/Makkah/Shām) or 59 (Kūfah).

Surah Overview:

• Prophetic Affirmation: Affirming the Quran's divine origin and the Prophet Muḥammad’s (ﷺ) truthfulness. [1-4]
• The Blessed Night: Highlighting the virtue of the night the Quran was first revealed (i.e. Laylat al-Qadr). [3]
• The Prophecy of Smoke: Warning the mockers with the physical sign of the Smoke (al-dukhān) and famine as a punishment. [9-16]
• Historical Warning: Detailing the destruction that befell Pharaoh and his people as a clear example for the polytheists. [17-33]
• Monotheism and Creation: Proving Allah's exclusive divinity by citing the flawless creation of the heavens and earth. [7-8]
• The Hereafter: Establishing the reality of the Resurrection and detailing the terrors awaiting the deniers and the bliss reserved for the pious. [34-59]
• Consolation: Concluding with a command to the Prophet (ﷺ) to be steadfast and to await the final victory against the deniers. [59]