There are several English names under which the surah is known.

He then proceeded with his reading of the surah as we know it.

The total number of verses in this surah are 96.

In order to understand the context, we need to read from verse 1 of this surah.

So without understanding the oath and its response, the message of the surah cannot be fully understood.

Muhammad had commanded me to commit this surah to memory.

According to the Tanzil version, it was the 71st surah revealed.

In view of the subject matter this Surah consists of two parts.

It is also the name of the first surah of the Qur'an.

The Surah has been so designated after the word ash-shams with which it opens.

That is the central message of the surah.

Every surah raises the reader to the highest level of moral awareness and tension.

The Surah has been so designated after the word al-qadr in the very first verse.

The Surah takes its name from the word humazah occurring in the first verse.

Thus, the first part of the surah ends having made clear that there are only two ways for all mankind in all times and places.

I recited every surah in the Quran in one long night.

The main theme of this surah is the contrast between monotheism and polytheism.

The Surah is so designated after the word al-bayyinah occurring at the end of the first verse.

Only his daughter survived, she was called Surah Bai.

This is the main theme of the Surah and the whole discourse, from the beginning to the end, is meant to impress the same.

During the first revelation the first five verses of this surah, chapter, were revealed.

Muslims believe those that practice the four principles/conditions as mentioned in this surah will not be in vain.

Death would have been dearer to me than that the recitation of this surah should be interrupted."

It is a meccan surah due to the introduction concerning the persecution of the Muslims.

Uzair, discusses the controversy of verse 30 of this surah.