The Significance of Naming Surah Al-Saffat
Surah Al-Saffat derives its name from the beginning of the chapter, where Allah – the Exalted – swears by those that form lines (Al-Saffat), as specified in the verse: (وَالصَّافَّاتِ صَفًّا). Here, the term “Al-Saffat” refers specifically to angels. Allah describes the angels as such because they stand in orderly ranks, united in obedience to their Creator. Some scholars, including Ibn Abbas, Ibn Mas’ud, and Ikrimah, have suggested that this term also points to the angels extending their wings in the sky in compliance with divine commands. Additionally, a few interpreters posit that “Al-Saffat” may refer to birds with outstretched wings in the air, while others believe it signifies groups of Muslims who assemble in mosques for prayer.
The designation “Al-Saffat” is significant as it emphasizes the intended meaning of angels, even though the term appears in other verses, such as in Surah Al-Mulk, which refers specifically to birds. In Surah Al-Saffat, however, Allah swears by angels who stand in ranks in their devotion or by those who unfold their wings in the sky to execute His commands. Some scholars refer to this surah as “The Sacrifice” because the narrative of the sacrifice is unique to its verses. The initial oath by Allah regarding a noble creation such as the angels signifies the grandeur of the Quran, captivating its audience, while also highlighting the greatness and remarkable attributes of angels in their submission to Allah.
The Structure of Surah Al-Saffat
Surah Al-Saffat is positioned in the Quran after Surah Yaseen. The rationale behind this arrangement lies in the fact that both surahs discuss the states of past nations and the reasons for their destruction. According to the order of the mushaf, it is the thirty-seventh surah, classified among the Meccan surahs. It comprises one hundred eighty-one verses, as counted by Al-Basri and Abu Ja’far, while it consists of one hundred eighty-two verses according to other reciters. The discrepancy in the count results from differences in stopping points and what constitutes the beginning of a verse.
The Context of Revelation for Surah Al-Saffat
Surah Al-Saffat was revealed before the Hijrah and follows Surah Al-An’am, which itself was revealed after Surah Al-Isra. The primary purpose behind its revelation was to refute polytheism regarding the worship of angels, countering claims that they are daughters of Allah – the Exalted – and that they take devils as associates. The surah begins by affirming the oneness of Allah, and scholars unanimously agree that it is a Meccan surah. It ranks as the fifty-sixth in chronological order of revelation, positioned before Surah Luqman, and was revealed during the fourth or fifth year of the Prophetic mission.
The Themes and Objectives of Surah Al-Saffat
Surah Al-Saffat encompasses a range of themes and objectives, including:
- Establishing the oneness of Allah, detailing the ranks of angels and worshippers in devotion, denouncing the devils, humiliating the oppressors, and glorifying the obedient. The surah narrates the story of Prophet Ibrahim and his son Ismail (peace be upon them), the destruction of the people of Lut, and Prophet Yunus’s confinement in the belly of the whale, all while refuting the misguided beliefs of polytheists regarding divine lineage and the hierarchies of angels in worship.
- Presenting evidence of Allah’s singularity and His power over resurrection, including the marvels of creation, such as the angels, the heavens, and the celestial bodies. It emphasizes human accountability in the hereafter, indicating that the reckoning will be severe for those who associate partners with Allah and neglect the duties outlined by the prophets and messengers, while affirming the absolute divine justice that will be enacted based on faith and righteous deeds.
- Beginning with a description of angels and certain scenes from the Day of Judgment, followed by accounts of various prophets like Nuh, Ibrahim, and Harun, and addressing the fallacy of attributing kinship to the jinn and angels, emphasizing that angels are obedient creations of Allah.
- Reinforcing sound faith, rejecting polytheism, and affirming that Allah is the only deity deserving of worship. The surah also depicts the regret of polytheists on the Day of Judgment for failing to devote their worship to Allah.