Exegesis of the Qur’an (Tafsir): Muhammad

Sundays 10:30 am – 11:30 am

15 January – 12 March 2023

In-person: Ruskin College, Room G.03, Dunstan Road, Old Headington, OX3 9BZ

Online: Delivered via Zoom

Surah Muhammad is a Medinan surah of 38 verses, the 96th surah to be revealed and the 47th surah in the mushaf. The central theme of this surah is the opposition between believers and disbelievers, and the underlying motivations and beliefs that inform the actions of each. Throughout the Qur'an, believers are encouraged to be patient and overlook the oppression by disbelievers, knowing that all return to God for final judgement. However, in verse 20, believers are urged to stand up and fight against their oppressors. This is followed by a description of the hypocrites, the underlying reasons for their aversion to the truth, and the inevitable outcome they will face on the Day of Judgement. The surah concludes with an indication of a promise from God that believers will be granted rule and authority over their oppressors. However, it is not without caution that they, too, can be replaced if they become like those they had confronted.

We start the winter term by resuming our commentary of Surah Muhammad from verse 18. The surah previously mentioned certain defining behaviours and attitudes of disbelievers, believers, and hypocrites and the bearing this will have for each on the Day of Judgement. In verse 18, Allah returns to warn the disbelievers to recollect their purpose before it is too late by the coming of the Hour.