Islam Guidance

Introduction

In the Name of Allah,the Beneficent,the Merciful
Sura 'Adiyat
(The Chargers)
No. 100 (11 Verses)
Contents of the Sura:
Opinions are divided as to the place where the revelation of this Sura took place; whether it was at Mecca or Medina.
The verses of the Sura are short; where oaths are emphasized on, and the Resurrection is seriously referred to. These are some characteristics which confirm that the Sura is Meccan.
But, on the other hand, the content of the oaths, of this Sura, refer mostly to the affairs of Holy War, which we will discuss in detail later, and, also to the existence of the narrations which denote that this Sura was revealed after the war known as /that-us-salasil/, indicating that the Sura is Medinan, even though we consider that the introductory oaths of the Sura point to the movement of pilgrimages toward Mash'ar (Sacred Monument) and Mina. (This war happened in the eighth year A.H. in which many pagans were captured. They were bound in chains and that was why it was called the battle of /that-us-salasil/.)
With attention to all of the above, we prefer to consider this Sura Medinan.

From the aforementioned statements, it is understood that at the beginning of the Sura there are some awakening oaths and, then, reference is made to some human weaknesses like blasphemy, miserliness, and mamonism. Concluding the Sura, a comprehensive hint is made to the Resurrection, and the fact that Allah knows everything about His servants.
The Virtue of Studying Sura 'Adiyat:
On the virtue of reciting this Sura, the holy Prophet (p.b.u.h.) is narrated to have said: "He who recites this Sura will be rewarded ten good deeds as many as the number of the people who stay at Muzdalafah (Mash'ar, Sacred Monument) and gather witnessing it." (1)
Another tradition from Imam Sadiq (p.b.u.h.) says: "He who recites Sura 'Adiyat and continues reciting it Allah will raise him up with Amir-al-Mo'mineen (Ali, a.s) on Doomsday and he will be with him (a.s.) and his companions." (2)
Some narrations denote that the virtue of reciting this Sura is as much as the virtue of reciting half of the Qur'an. (3)
It is clear, without any explanation, that all these excellences are for those who believe in its contents thoroughly and act accordingly.
 
(1) Majma'-al-Bayan, vol. 10, p. 527.
(2) Ibid.
(3) Durr-al-Manthur, vol. 6, p. 383.

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