Surah 39

Al-Zumar

(Companies)

(Makkan Period)

Title

The title is taken from the word al-zumar (companies), which occurs in verses 71 and 73 of this surah.

Period of Revelation

Verse 10, which states that 'Allah's earth is spacious' contains the clue that the surah was revealed before the Muslims' migration to Abysinnia. Some traditions indicate that this verse was revealed with regard to Ja'far ibn Abi Talib and his companions after they made up their minds to migrate. (See al-Älūsi, Rūḥ al-Ma'ānī, comments on Surah al-Zumar 39: 10.)

Subject Matter and Theme

The entire surah stands out as an inspiring discourse delivered in Makkah on the eve of the migration to Abyssinia, in an atmosphere charged with violence and oppression. Essentially, it is addressed to the Makkan unbelievers, though at times Muslims are also addressed. On the whole, the sūrah brings into sharp relief the real objective of the Prophet's call to Islam, which consists in worshipping the One True God without tainting it with any form of polytheism. This fundamental principle is expressed in a variety of ways. The purpose is to stress the truth of monotheism and the excellent consequences of embracing it as well as to emphasise the error of polytheism and its dire consequences. People are asked to give up their erroneous attitude and turn to their Lord's mercy and compassion. It is in this context that believers are told that if they find it hard to worship God at any particular place because of persecution they should move to somewhere where they can keep their faith. For God's earth is vast and He will reward them for their patience and fortitude. The Prophet (peace be on him) is directed to let the Makkan unbelievers realise that their persecution will, in no way, lead to the reversion of Muslims to their ancestral faith. Furthermore, no matter what the unbelievers do to dissuade the Prophet (peace be on him) to give up his mission, he will never do so.