Sūrah al-Furqān to Sūrah al-Aḥzāb

Introduction

This is the fourth chapter of the Qur’ān. It has nine sūrahs beginning from Sūrah al-Furqān (25) and ending on Sūrah al-Aḥzāb (33). It is evident from the topics of these sūrahs that the first eight of them were revealed in Makkah and the last one, Sūrah al-Aḥzāb, was revealed after migration in Madīnah.

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

It primarily addresses the Quraysh of Makkah. Like the previous chapter, the People of the Book are warned at certain instances in deference to them because at the time of revelation of these sūrahs, they had fully become active in supporting the Quraysh and in opposing the Prophet (sws). However, where tazkiyah and taṭhīr of the Muslims is discussed, the followers of the Prophet (sws) are also addressed. Thus the chapter ends while addressing them.¹

The theme of this chapter is to validate prophethood, deliver warnings and glad tidings to the Quraysh with its reference and to do tazkiyah and taṭhīr of the Muslims. With regard to this, the status of Muḥammad (sws) and the Qur’ān is delineated to his followers.