English Translation and Commentary of the Holy Quran (2010)
by Maulana Muhammad Ali
Chapter 54: Al-Qamar — The Moon (Revealed at Makkah: 3 sections, 55 verses)
Introduction:
The Moon, the title of this chapter taken from the occurrence of this word in the first verse, was a symbol of the power of the Arabs. Its “splitting apart” indicated the overthrow of the power of the Quraish. After warning the Holy Prophet’s opponents, the chapter mentions examples of the people of some previous prophets. Towards the end it contains a prophetical reference to the battle of Badr. It is undoubtedly an early revelation at Makkah.
List of Sections (Rukus):
- Judgment to Overtake Opponents (Verses 54:1–54:22)
- Thamud and Lot’s People (Verses 54:23–54:40)
- Pharaoh and the Prophet’s Opponents (Verses 54:41–54:55)