Al-Araf [1][2] (Arabic: ٱلْأَعْرَاف al-ʾAʿrāf, "The Heights") is the seventh chapter (sūrah) of the Qur'an, with 206 verses (āyāt). Regarding the timing and contextual background of the revelation (Asbāb al-nuzūl), it is a "Meccan surah", which means it is believed to have been revealed in Mecca.
This chapter takes its name from verses 46-47[3] in which word A'araf appears.
According to Abul A'la Maududi time of its disclosure is about equivalent to that of Al-An'am, i. e., the last year of the Islamic prophet Muhammad's residence at Makkah, yet it can't be declared with assurance which of these two was uncovered before. Anyhow the manner of its admonition clearly indicates that it belongs to the same period and both have the same historical background. The audience should keep in mind the introduction to Al-An'am.[4]
Theme:
The chief subject of this Surah is an invitation to the Divine Message sent down to Muhammad. The Messenger had been admonishing the individuals of Makkah for 13 years. Yet there was no substantial impact on them, since they had deliberately ignored his message. And had become so adversarial that Allah was going to order Muhammad to disregard them and go to others. That is the reason they are being reproved to acknowledge the message and an admonition is given about the results of their off-base demeanor. Since Muhammad was going to get Allah's edict to relocate from Makkah, the finishing up part of this Surah addresses the People of the Book with whom he was going to come into contact at Al-Madinah. In the ayaat directed to the Jews, the outcomes of their deceptive mentality towards the prophets are likewise brought up clearly. As they proclaimed to put belief in Musa (Moses) yet their practices were against his lessons. They were defying him as well as were in certainty worshipping falsehood.
Towards the ending of the Surah, guidelines are given to Muhammad and his adherents to show tolerance and exercise patience in answer to the incitements of their rivals. Since the devotees were feeling the squeeze and stress, are encouraged to be cautious and not make any stride that may hurt their cause.[4]
Verse 7:157 reveals that prophecies about the coming of Muhammad were present in the Jewish law and Gospel.