(Revealed before Hijrah)
Consensus of scholarly opinion assigns the revelation of this Surah to the earliest period of the Call; some scholars consider that it was the third Chapter to be revealed. In the preceding Surah (Al-Jinn) it was stated that angels descend upon Divine Messengers to guard the Word of God revealed to them from being distorted or tampered with. In the present Surah the Holy Prophet is enjoined to devote a part of the night to Prayer and remembrance of God so that angels may descend upon him to help him against evil plots and machinations of his enemies. Like all Meccan Surahs, this Surah also deals mainly with the Divine mission of the Holy Prophet and with the truth of the Qur’anic revelation. It foretells in brief but very forceful words the eventual triumph of the Holy Prophet and adduces the fulfilment of this prophecy as an argument in support of Life after death and Resurrection. Particular emphasis has been laid on Prayer and remembrance of God which is a most effective means to draw Divine help and succour to prepare the Prophet for the mighty task that lies ahead of him.