The Fourth Period: Twenty-two Sūrahs from the Sixth to the Tenth Year of Prophet Muḥammad’s Ministry

Introduction

The fourth period of Prophet Muḥammad’s ministry encompasses twenty-two Sūrahs (chapters) revealed between the sixth and tenth years of his prophethood. This period is marked by the introduction of narratives from Jewish scriptures, Rabbinical, and Arab legends. The content of these Sūrahs addresses the essentials of faith, the omnipotence of God, morality, and warnings against idolatry, prepared for both believers and non-believers alike.

Notable Chapters from the Fourth Period

Sūratu ʾl-Mulk (Chapter 67 - The Chapter of the Kingdom)

• Theme: God’s sovereignty over the heavens and the earth.
• Content: Emphasizes God’s greatness through natural marvels, warns disbelievers of Hell, and showcases God’s power in nature.

Sūratu ʾn-Najm (Chapter 53 - The Chapter of the Star)

• Theme: Validating Prophet Muḥammad’s heavenly vision.
• Content: Discusses the Prophet’s ascent to heaven, condemns idolatry, and highlights God’s omniscience.

Sūratu ʾs-Sajdah (Chapter 32 - The Chapter of Adoration)

• Theme: The truth of the Qurʾān and the resurrection.
• Content: Affirms the Qurʾān as the ultimate truth, extols God as the Creator and sustainer, and speaks of the rewards for true believers and punishments for misbelievers.

Sūratu ʾz-Zumar (Chapter 39 - The Chapter of the Troops)

• Theme: Unity of God and rebuke of idolatry.
• Content: Urges sincerity in faith, contrasts the fate of believers and infidels, and discusses the Day of Judgment.

Sūratu ʾl-Muzzammil (Chapter 73 - The Chapter of the Enwrapped)

• Theme: Devotional practices and patience.
• Content: Calls Prophet Muḥammad to night prayers, devotion, patience in the face of unbelief, and almsgiving.

Sūratu ʾn-Nāziʿāt (Chapter 79 - The Chapter of Those who Tear Out)

• Theme: Day of Judgment and the story of Moses.
• Content: Portrays the Day of Judgment, the resurrection, and recounts the encounter between Moses and Pharaoh.

Sūratu ʾl-Qamar (Chapter 54 - The Chapter of the Moon)

• Theme: Imposture accusations and divine retribution.
• Content: Addresses the splitting of the moon, accuses Mockers of the Prophet, and mentions past communities’ punishment.

Etymology and Translations

• Sūra (سورة): Arabic word meaning “chapter.”
• Muḥammad (محمد): The name of the Prophet of Islam.
• Arabic translations/includes references:
  • ملك (Mulk): Kingdom.
  • نجم (Najm): Star.
  • سجدة (Sajdah): Adoration.
  • زمر (Zumar): Troops.
  • مزمل (Muzzammil): Enwrapped.
  • نازعات (Nāziʿāt): Those who tear out.
  • قمر (Qamar): Moon.

Books for Further Studies

1. “The Qur’an and Its Context” by Angelika Neuwirth
2. “Introduction to Quranic Studies” by Mohammad Ammar Alhaj
3. “The House of Islam: A Global History” by Ed Husain
4. “The Light of the Qur’an: Understanding the Prophetic Period” by Tariq Ramadan

Key Takeaways

1. Unity of God: Central theme among most Sūrahs stressing monotheism and the rejection of idolatry.
2. Moral Guidance: Emphasis on ethical behavior, sincerity in faith, and almsgiving.
3. Eschatology: Recurrent warnings about the Day of Judgment and divine retribution.
4. Historical Narratives: Integration of past Prophet narratives to provide examples and moral lessons.
5. Religious Practice: Stipulations for prayers and devotional acts for Muslims.

Conclusion

The fourth period of revelations marks a pivotal moment wherein the Qur’anic message solidified the Islamic doctrines of monotheism, prophecy, and eschatology. Through these twenty-two Sūrahs, Prophet Muḥammad communicated critical facets of faith, ethical conduct, and the omnipotence of God, forming the bedrock of Islamic theology and practice. Understanding these revelations and their contexts provides profound insights into the foundations of Islam and its historical development.