Surah 34

Saba'

(Makkan Period)

Title

The surah's title is taken from verse 15 in which the word Saba' occurs. (This signifies that the surah contains an account of the people of Saba'.)

Period of Revelation

There are no authentic traditions to indicate the exact period of this surah's revelation. However, it appears from its contents that it must have been revealed either during the early or middle phase of the Prophet's Makkan life. Now, if the surah was revealed during this middle phase, then it was possibly during the beginning of it when the persecution of the Muslims had not yet reached extreme heights. Opposition to Islam at that time was largely confined to mocking, ridiculing, defaming, slandering and other such means so as to sow doubt and suspicion among people about Islam and the Prophet (peace be on him). All this was part of the unbelievers' campaign to nip Islam in the bud.

Subject Matter and Theme

The surah consists of responses to the Makkan unbelievers' hostile criticism of the Prophet's teachings relating to monotheism, the Hereafter and his own Prophethood. Their criticisms and objections were usually couched in the form of sarcastic innuendos, mocking remarks and vile accusations. The surah explicitly identifies their criticisms before going on to respond to them. On other occasions, the Qur'ānic responses themselves indicate the criticisms they specifically addressed. Such responses are mostly expressed in the form of elucidation, admonition and persuasive evidence. At times, however, the opponents are warned of the dire consequences of their adamant rejection of the Truth. It is in this context that the stories of the Prophets David and Solomon (peace be on them) and of the people of Saba' are recounted. These stories are meant to drive home the fact that history provides two distinct examples from which people can learn a lesson. One is that of these two great Prophets - David and Solomon-who, notwithstanding their unrivalled might and glory, did not succumb to arrogance and vanity. Rather than act rebelliously towards God, they continued to be His grateful servants. By contrast, the people of Saba' were swayed by pride and arrogance for the simple reason that God had blessed them with His bounties. As a result, they were punished so severely that no trace of them remains besides legendary tales.

After citing these examples, the unbelievers are told to consider these two opposing models of conduct and to decide for themselves which of the two is better: a life anchored in affirmation of monotheism and the Hereafter and characterised by thankfulness to God, or one rooted in unbelief, polytheism, rejection of the Hereafter, and immersion in worldliness.