Themes and purpose:

This early Makkan surah is an affirmation and defense of the Prophet Muḥammad’s (ﷺ) moral character and the truth of the Quran. It refutes the polytheists’ claims that he was a madman or poet. It confirms the importance of writing and knowledge for the Ummah, warns the arrogant Makkans of impending worldly punishment, and commands the Prophet (ﷺ) to patience.

Context of Revelation:

Era: Makkan by consensus.

Context: The surah was revealed during the first wave of severe persecution and mockery in Makkah, specifically targeting the influential leaders (like Abū Jahl and al-Walīd ibn al-Mughīrah) who were prominent in denying the Prophet (ﷺ).

Chronology: Jābir ibn Zayd counted it as the second surah to be revealed (i.e. immediately after Sūrat al-ʿAlaq), though it is generally accepted that it was after al-Muddaththir and al-Muzzammil.

Name and Ayah Count:

Name: The surah is known by three names: "Sūrat al-Qalam" (The Pen) due to the oath at the beginning, "Sūrat Nūn" (Nūn) for its opening letter, and combined, "Sūrat Nūn wa-al-Qalam".

Ayah Count: 52 ayahs by consensus.

Surah Overview:

• Prophetic Defense: Affirming the Prophet’s (ﷺ) high moral character and refuting the claims that he was mad, a soothsayer, or a poet. [2-6]
• The Sanctity of Knowledge: Affirming the importance of writing and the Pen (al-Qalam) as a sign of divine wisdom. [1]
• Divine Knowledge: Assuring the Prophet (ﷺ) that Allah is fully aware of the people’s inner thoughts and deeds. [45-47]
• The Warning to the Elite: Condemning the leading polytheists and describing their vile character traits, such as slander, stinginess, and excessive oath-taking. [10-16]
• Parable of Loss: Striking a parable of the rich owners of the garden whose wealth was destroyed because they refused to give charity, serving as a warning to the Makkans. [17-33]
• Patience: Commanding the Prophet (ﷺ) to be patient and steadfast, warning him not to be like Jonah (Yūnus) when he was impatient with his people. [48-50]
• General Judgment: Warning the polytheists of the inevitable punishment in this life and the Hereafter. [30-33]