Sūrah Yūnus to Sūrah al-Nūr

Introduction

This is the third chapter of the Qur’ān. It consists of fifteen sūrahs starting from Sūrah Yūnus (10) and ending on Sūrah al-Nūr (24). It is evident from the topics of these sūrahs that the first fourteen of these were revealed in Makkah and the last one – Sūrah al-Nūr – in Madīnah after migration.

Like other groups of the Qur’ān, this group too begins with Makkan sūrahs and ends on a Madīnan one.

It primarily addresses the Quraysh of Makkah. At some instances, the People of the Book are warned with their reference as well because at the time of revelation of these sūrahs they too had come to the fore in supporting the Quraysh and in opposing the Prophet (sws). When topics related to purification of beliefs and practices and glad tidings are brought up in the sūrah, the Prophet (sws) and his followers are however also addressed at various instances. In fact, in Sūrah Ṭāhā, it is the Prophet (sws) who is solely addressed.

The theme of this chapter is to warn the Quraysh, to give glad tidings to the Prophet (sws) and his followers of the domination of the truth in Arabia and to do the tazkiyah and taṭhīr of the Muslims such that the aspect of glad tidings of the dominance of the truth is prominent.¹