The traditional Egyptian chronology puts the chapter as the 41st chapter by the order of revelation (after Al-Tur), while the NГ¶ldeke Chronology (by the orientalist Theodor NГ¶ldeke) puts it as the 46th. Some of such commentators maintain that verses 39вЂ“40 are the verses that was from the Medinan period, while some say 81вЂ“82, and others say 83. Some commentators, although not in the majority, argue that part of it was revealed during the Medinan period. 82-96 Men should believe in God since they cannot save the dying from death ДЄccording to Quranic commentators, the chapter is a Meccan sura, that is, it was revealed during the Meccan period of Muhammad's prophethood.74-81 Oath by the stars that the QurГЎn is divinely-inspired.57-73 Arguments for the resurrection of the dead drawn from GodвЂ™s work in creation and providence.40-56 The punishment of the wicked in hell depicted.12-39 Joys of the Muslim heaven described.8-11 Its coming shall separate men into three classes.1-2 The coming of the judgment-day inevitable.They variously identify the foremost with the prophets, the saints, the truthful, the martyrs, the first to accept Islam, and others.

Quranic commentators differ on understanding who the foremost is. The 'foremost' refers to a special group of people who will have an even better fate than the companions of the right in the afterlife. Here, 'the right' is associated with goodness, the righteous will be seated to the right of God's throne and receive their records of deeds in their right hand. The chapter also distinguishes the three classes of people in the afterlife, 'the foremost', 'the companions of the right' and 'the companions of the left': the first two groups will enter paradise while the companions of the left will go to hell. Picking up from the preceding chapter, Ar-Rahman, which discusses the rewards of Paradise ( jannah), this chapter also mentions them and then contrasts them with the punishment of hell. The afterlife ( akhirah) is the main topic discussed in the chapter.

Surah waqiah full text