The Majestic Quran

26. Ash-Shuʿara’ The Poets This chapter was revealed in the middle of the Makkan period, during the fifth or sixth year of the prophethood of the Messenger r . The beloved Messenger r was eagerly teaching and preaching Islam day and night, but only a handful of fortunate souls followed him. Opposition and hostility was growing and deepening. However, the Prophet r was constantly praying, and hoping the Makkans would accept Islam. Meanwhile, his night vigils, heartfelt prayers for his people, and crying to God for their guidance continued. The central theme of the chapter is relating the stories of seven prophets and how they were rejected by their people. This is the history of human disobedience: the unchanging character of man’s weakness and his proneness to self-deception. This explains why people in all communities readily reject the truth. Consequently, they lose themselves in worship of power, wealth, and what is commonly described as ‘glory’, as well as in mindless acceptance of slogans and prevailing fashions of thought’ (Asad). The chapter exposes humanity’s weakness as well as its goodness. A dramatic story is mentioned: “Then Moses threw down his staff, and at once it swallowed up their trickery” (45). There were no arguments or debates; since the miracle was compelling, and the magicians could not fail to see Moses was a man of God, a true prophet. However, the Pharaoh was arrogant and refused to believe.