As-Saffat (Arabic: الصافات, ’aṣ-ṣāffāt, meaning: Those who rank themselves in Order,[1] "Ranged in Row", "The Rangers") is the 37th chapter of the Qur'an with 182 verses. The name is derived from the word was saaffat with which the Surah begins
The subject matter and the style show that this Surah probably was sent down in the middle of the Makkan period, or perhaps in the last stage of the middle Makkan period. The style clearly indicates that antagonism is raging strong in the background and the Holy Prophet and his Companions are passing through very difficult and discouraging circumstances
Sura 37 could be divided into three parts following one characteristic of Arabic Poetry widely known as tripartite division.[4] The first part goes from verses 1 to 74, the second part from 75 to 148 and the last part from 149 to 182.
The most instructive of the historical narratives presented in this Surah is the important event of the pious life of the Prophet Abraham, who became ready to sacrifice his only son as soon as he received an inspiration from Allah. In this there was a lesson not only for the disbelieving Quraish, who waxed proud of their blood relationship with him, but also for the Muslims who had believed in Allah and His Messenger.
By narrating this event they were told what is the essence and the real spirit of Islam, and how a true believer should be ready to sacrifice his all for the pleasure and approval of Allah after he has adopted it as his Faith and Creed.
The first part goes from verse 1 to 74 with eschatological prophecy as central theme[5] but could be divided into two sub-parts: 1-10 and 11-74.
37:75-148 Earlier messengers of God
Main article: Day of Judgment in Islam
The last verses of the Surah were not only a warning for the disbelievers but also a good news for the believers who were passing through highly unfavorable and discouraging conditions on account of their supporting and following the Holy Prophet
In these verses they were given the good news that they should not be disheartened at the hardships and difficulties they had to encounter in the beginning, for in the end they alone would attain dominance, and the standard bearers of falsehood, who appeared to be dominant at the time would be overwhelmed and vanquished at their hands. A few years later the turn the events took, proved that it was not an empty consolation but an inevitable reality of which they had been foretold in order to strengthen their hearts.