Summary of Qur'an Chapter 110 Surah An-Nasr The Help

Summary of Qur'an Chapter 110 Surah An-Nasr The Help 

Surah An-Nasr is the 110th chapter of the Quran, comprising only three (3) verses. It was revealed as a sign of the upcoming victory of Islam and the mass acceptance of the religion by people. The Surah instructs the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) to glorify and praise Allah, and to seek His forgiveness when success is achieved. Its core message is about acknowledging divine help with gratitude and humility. 

Regarding Surah An-Nasr, most commentators believe that it is Madinan. However, according to my research, this Surah was revealed in the early (Makkan) period. In it, the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him and his family) is given glad tidings that the time is soon coming when, with Allah’s support and help, he will succeed in his mission, and people will begin entering the religion of Allah in large groups. 

In my view, the theme of this Surah is deeply connected with the verses of Surah Ash-Sharh: 

'So when you are free, strive hard, 

And turn to your Lord with longing.' Qur'an (94.7-8).

The words of the last verse of this Surah — 'So glorify the praises of your Lord and seek His forgiveness' — even appear to be a continuation of the message of the mentioned verses in Surah Al-Inshirah." 

It is important to understand that the labeling of a Surah as Makki or Madani in various manuscripts of the Qur’an is not definitive. In fact, the time of revelation of longer Surahs is more certain — whether they are Makki or Madani — and there is a consensus among scholars regarding those. However, for many of the shorter Surahs, there are multiple opinions in the commentaries regarding their time of revelation. 

Commentators have mentioned different opinions regarding the time of revelation of Surah An-Nasr. One view is that it is the last Surah revealed after the conquest of Makkah. Another opinion is that it was revealed before the conquest, as a prophecy of the coming victory. Some narrations mention that Abdullah ibn Abbas (may Allah be pleased with him) stated this was the final complete Surah revealed in the Qur'an, meaning that after this, no full Surah was revealed to the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him and his family). 

According to a narration from Abdullah ibn Umar (may Allah be pleased with him), this Surah was revealed during the middle Days of Tashreeq at Mina during the Farewell Pilgrimage (Ḥujjat al-Wadāʿ), and afterward, the Prophet (peace be upon him) delivered his famous Farewell Sermon while riding a camel. 

Some narrations also indicate that when this Surah was revealed, the Prophet (peace be upon him) said, 

"The news of my death has been given to me." It is also reported from Abdullah ibn Abbas (may Allah be pleased with him) that this Surah informed the Prophet (peace be upon him) that when Allah’s help and victory come, it is a sign that his time has come to an end. After that, he was instructed to glorify Allah with praise and seek forgiveness. Umar ibn Al-Khattab (may Allah be pleased with him) also confirmed the interpretation of Ibn Abbas regarding this Surah. 

Note: (Allah knows best about the authentication of hadiths.)

Source: Dr Israr Ahmed, a Renowned Islamic Scholar!