Name and Background
The Soorah came to be identified by the word An-Naŝr (The help) from the first verse.
It talks about the help of Allaah Subhaanahu wa Ta’aala, the resultant victory the Prophet ŝall Allaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam had over the Makkans, the acceptance of Islam by Arabs en masse and the completion of the mission for which the Prophet was sent. It exhorts the Prophet ŝall Allaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam to express his gratitude towards and seek forgiveness of Allaah who made the attainment of these goals possible.
The previous Soorah, Al-Kaafiroon, marked the rejection of the offers of compromise from Makkans. It announced the steadfast continuity of the Islamic mission in an uncompromising way until its objectives were fully achieved and Islam was fully established as a complete and dominant way of life in Arabia. As discussed in the past, the objectives of the Prophet ŝall Allaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam’s mission were to:
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Bring Arabs back to the Deen of Islam and Towĥeed as it was preached and practised by Ibraaheem ‘alayhissalaam[1] so that all Arabs adopt the exclusive submission to and worship of Allaah Subhaanahu wa Ta’aala;
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Remove the Makkans from the leadership of Arabs and control of the Holy Ka‘abah; and
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Re-dedicate the Holy Ka‘abah to its original purpose of being the centre of Towĥeed and Islamic movement in the world.
This Soorah announces the completion of the mission and achievement of these objectives.
It is evident that this is a Madani Soorah revealed in the last part of the Prophetic mission. However, there are two views about the time of its revelation. Some believe that it was revealed just before the conquest of Makkah informing the Prophet ŝall Allaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam of how the events were going to unfold. Others are of the opinion that it was the last Soorah (i.e., complete Soorah) to be revealed and that its revelation indicated to the Prophet that, with the completion of the mission, it was time for the Prophet to depart from this world. Thus, it gave to the Prophet ŝall Allaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam the news of his death and he died within months of its revelation.
In reality, the difference of opinion regarding the timing is moot. The essential point is clear. It announces the successful completion of the mission of the Prophet and exhorts the Prophet ŝall Allaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam to get ready to meet his Lord through extra devotion, glorification and request for forgiveness.
Footnotes
[1] ‘alayhissalaam – peace be upon him
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