العنكبوت
Al Ankabut
Verses
69
Revelation
Makki
Period
Late Makkan
Surah No.
29 / 114
Surah Al-Ankabut takes its name from the parable of the spider, whose web is the flimsiest of structures, used to illustrate the weakness of any refuge sought other than Allah. The surah opens with the declaration that every believer will be tested, and lists numerous prophets who were tested and remained steadfast. It was revealed at a time when many early Muslims were facing severe family and societal pressure to abandon Islam.
أسباب النزول
Revealed in the late Makkan period, partly in response to the severe torture and killing of new converts. The opening verses about the necessity of trial were revealed when some believers were being tortured to the point of apostasy. Verses 8-9 about not obeying parents who command disbelief were revealed specifically when parents were forcibly trying to make their children renounce Islam. The story of Musa, Ibrahim, Lut, Nuh, and others was meant to remind believers that all prophets were tested.
“Do the people think that they will be left to say: We believe, and they will not be tried? But We have certainly tried those before them.”
These opening verses were revealed to prepare the early Muslims for the reality that declaring faith would bring tests. They remain one of the most comforting passages for believers in tribulation throughout history.
“Recite what has been revealed to you of the Book and establish prayer. Indeed, prayer prohibits immorality and wrongdoing.”
This verse establishes the transformative function of prayer (salah) in Muslim life. It was revealed to encourage the Muslim community to maintain their prayer even under persecution, as it would serve as their greatest protection against moral corruption.