Themes of the Sūrah
One word that summarizes the Surah, showing Allah’s selection of the Muslim nation.
Choice
In al-Baqarah, Muslims at Badr were compared to this Biblical struggle of a small group defeating a large one.
David vs. Goliath (Ṭālūt vs. Jālūt)
A group of Christians from this city stayed in the masjid and debated with the Prophet ﷺ
Najrān
Al-Baqarah and Āl ʿImrān will appear like this on the Day of Judgment, interceding for those who studied them.
Clouds or flocks of birds
What number surah is this in the Quran
Third surah
The Prophet’s uncle who was martyred at Uḥud.
Hamzah ibn ʿAbd al-Muṭṭalib
Allah reminded them that Jacob (Yaʿqūb) forbade some foods for himself before this scripture was revealed.
The Torah
At night, the Prophet ﷺ sought ʿĀ’ishah’s (RA) permission to do this.
Pray (Qiyām/Ṭahajjud)
This major event of loss is the backdrop for much of the Surah’s commentary.
The Battle of Uḥud
The Qur’an uses this Arabic word for a wound that cuts deep to the bone, describing Muslim injuries at Uḥud.
Qurḥ (قَرْح)
Allah told them to sincerely do this with their own scripture, which would naturally lead them to the Qur’an.
Engage and follow their scripture properly
His tears soaked his beard and place of sujūd while reciting these verses.
Verses 190–195
The Surah’s conclusion stresses reflection, duʿā’, and this essential quality.
Patience and steadfastness
After Uḥud, the Prophet ﷺ ordered the companions not to wait for Quraysh but to do this.
March out to meet them again
The Qur’an distinguishes dishonest People of the Book from others who are this.
Trustworthy and upright
The Surah teaches that both victory and loss on the battlefield are really this.
Tests of faith from Allah
The Prophet ﷺ cried through the night while reciting these verses at the end of the Surah.
Verses 190–195
This cavalry leader attacked the Muslims from behind at Uḥud, though he later accepted Islam.
Khālid ibn al-Walīd
By the end of the Surah, Jews, Christians, and Quraysh who stubbornly rejected truth were grouped under this title.
Those who disbelieve
By the end, the Surah strengthens this quality in Muslims, leaving them confident and unashamed.
Muslim identity and pride in Islam