The Holy Quran with Five Volume Commentary (Vol 4) — Page 552
Date of Revelation CHAPTER 29 AL-'ANKABŪT (Revealed before Hijrah) This Surah is generally considered to have been revealed at Mecca, though according to some scholars, Ibn 'Abbās being one of them, the first ten verses were revealed at Medina. A large majority of them, however, are inclined towards placing its revelation in the middle or the late middle Meccan period. The Surah seems to derive its title from v. 40 in which the falsity and futility of polytheistic beliefs of idolaters is brought home to them by a beautiful parable. It is stated that these beliefs are like a spider's web and being as frail and brittle as the web they cannot stand intelligent criticism. Connection with the Preceding Sūrah Towards the end of the preceding Surah Muslims were told that they would meet strong opposition and severe persecution in the discharge of their great and difficult task of preaching the Unity of God, but they should not get discouraged and dismayed by the hardships and privations they will have to suffer. When everything except God is subject to decay and death, why should they be afraid of disbelievers and why should they not establish their connection with Him by turning to Whom man can get eternal life and peace which knows no end or diminution? Subject Matter The present Surah continues and develops this theme and proceeds to say that the great favours and blessings which are to be bestowed upon believers in this and the next life will not be conferred upon them unless their belief is put to a severe test. They are warned that they will have to pass through the crucible of fire and blood to deserve them. On the other hand, those who oppose truth and do evil deeds will never be able to frustrate God's plan and escape His punishment, and if they entertain any such foolish hope, they are doomed to severe disillusionment. It is only by true and sincere repentance and by turning to God with a humble and contrite heart and by bringing about real and abiding reformation in one's conduct and behaviour that a man can earn God's forgiveness and become entitled to His boons and blessings. Reverting to the subject of the persecution of believers the Surah proceeds to say that no amount of hardships and privations should be allowed to stand in the way of accepting the truth; even children are exhorted to place 2466