Reading Qur’an Chapter 111 (“Al-Massad”) raised a number of questions in my mind about the time and place the chapter was revealed, the use of certain tenses in the verses, the use of the kunya (epithet) instead of his given name, the meaning of certain phrases used in the verses, and, finally, why Abū Lahab in particular? This chapter attempts to answer these questions.

Meccan or Medinan? Past or Present Tense?

According to all, or most, of the Muslim exegetes and commentators, the sūra (Qur’anic chapter) was one of the first Meccan chapters revealed. It is claimed that when Q. 26.2141 was revealed, the Prophet ascended al-Ṣafā hill and shouted out until the people gathered around him, and then told them that he is a nadhīr (harbinger), foretelling them of severe suffering. Abū Lahab is said to have replied: “Damn you! Is this why you brought us together?,” and left, calling upon the others not to gather around the Prophet. If it is true that Chapter 111 was revealed shortly after this episode, then what is the reason for using the past tense in this verse (Q. 111:1) and the one following it (Q. 111:2), when at that time Abū Lahab – as is evident – was still alive and enjoying his riches?

The answer is easy with respect to the first verse. It is common practice among the Arabs to use the past tense in cases where the verb refers to the present or the future. Examples of this can be found in Q. 16.1: “Allah's commandment has come”, meaning “it will come in the future”, and in Q. 3.110: “You were the best of the nations”, meaning “you are in the present”.