English Translation and Commentary of the Holy Quran (2010)
by Maulana Muhammad Ali
Chapter 26: Al-Shuara — The Poets (Revealed at Makkah: 11 sections, 227 verses)
Introduction:
The title of this chapter is taken from a reference to poets in v. 224, where the allegation is refuted that the Quran is the work of a poet. It opens by consoling the Holy Prophet that he need not be anxious because of the rejection of his message by the people or despair of their reform. Then the histories of several prophets are narrated, presenting the fate of their opponents as a warning to the Holy Prophet’s opponents, and finally the subject reverts to their objections against him. This chapter, and the two following it, belong to the middle period at Makkah.
List of Sections (Rukus):
- The Prophet is Consoled (Verses 26:1–26:9)
- Moses is Called and Sent to Pharaoh (Verses 26:10–26:33)
- Moses and the Enchanters (Verses 26:34–26:51)
- Moses is Delivered and Pharaoh Drowned (Verses 26:52–26:68)
- History of Abraham (Verses 26:69–26:104)
- History of Noah (Verses 26:105–26:122)
- History of Hud (Verses 26:123–26:140)
- History of Salih (Verses 26:141–26:159)
- History of Lot (Verses 26:160–26:175)
- History of Shuaib (Verses 26:176–26:191)
- Prophet’s Opponents Warned (Verses 26:192–26:227)