The Holy Quran with Five Volume Commentary (Vol 5) — Page 473
Introduction CHAPTER 89 AL-FAJR (Revealed before Hijrah) This Surah was among the earliest revealed at Mecca. From historical data and the contents of the Surah itself, it appears to have been revealed sometime in the fourth year of the Call. Nöldeke places it immediately after Surah Al-Ghashiyah, which, according to Muslim scholars was also revealed in the fourth year, when opposition of the Quraish to the new Faith had not yet become determined, persistent and organized. The Surah takes its title from the first word of the opening verse, viz. Al-Fajr. It contains a double prophecy which applies both to the Holy Prophet and the Promised Messiah. In a beautiful allegory, the Surah alludes to the ten years of hardship at Mecca and the Prophet's Migration to Medina, accompanied by his very faithful Companion, Abu Bakr, and to the first year of his life at Medina which was also full of anxieties. The Surah may also be read as applying to the decline of Islam during the ten centuries after the first three hundred years of uniform success, and to the appearance of the Promised Messiah, as well as to the first century of trials and hardships for his mission and followers. After this brief allegorical description of the vicissitudes and fluctuations of the fortunes of Islam in the time of the Holy Prophet and that of the Promised Messiah, the Surah mentions the case of Pharaoh as representing the opposition which the cause of truth always encounters from the votaries of falsehood. Opposition to truth (the Surah further states) springs from accumulation of power and wealth in the hands of a particular class, and misuse of riches and authority by the people of that class brings about their decline and destruction. The Sūrah concludes that it is only a few fortunate people who accept the Divine Message and by walking in the ways of righteousness succeed in winning God's pleasure, and consequently enjoy complete immunity from fear of failure or faltering, and who, after joining the company of His Elect, enter His Heaven. 3369