(Revealed after Hijrah)
The Surah was revealed at Medina, probably in the third or fourth year of the Hijrah, after the Battle of Uhud, as v. 5 seems to possess an implied reference to the lack of discipline or unquestioning obedience to the Holy Prophet of which some of the Muslims were guilty in that battle. The preceding two Chapters had dealt with the subject of war against disbelievers, and with social and political problems arising out of it. The present Surah emphasizes the importance of giving unqualified and unquestioning obedience to the Leader, and of presenting, under his guidance, a solid, compact and united front to disbelievers.
The Surah opens with the glorification of God’s wisdom and might, and proceeds to admonish believers that when they glorify God and extol His Holiness with their tongues, they should give a practical proof of their profession with their actions, thus making their actions harmonize with their verbal declarations. And when they are called upon to fight in the cause of Truth, they should present a firm and solid front to disbelievers, and should give unqualified obedience to their Leader. The Surah then makes a brief reference to the misbehaviour of the followers of Moses who, by maligning and defying him, caused him much vexation and mental anguish, and, by implication, warns Muslims never to behave like them. Next, mention is made of the prophecy of Jesus about the advent of the Prophet Ahmad, followed by a firm declaration that all the attempts of the votaries of darkness to extinguish the Light of Allah will come to naught. The Light will continue to shine in all its glory and effulgence and Islam will prevail over all religions. But before this eventually comes to pass, the Muslims will have to 'strive with their wealth and persons in the cause of Allah.' Only then will they deserve to be blessed with God’s pleasure and material glory, 'with gardens through which streams flow.' The Surah closes with exhorting Muslims to help God’s cause, as did the disciples of Jesus by undergoing all manner of sacrifice and suffering for it.