Al-Ḥijr is the 15th sūrah (chapter of the Quran). It has 99 āyāt (verses). Regarding the timing and contextual background of the revelation (asbāb al-nuzūl), it is an earlier Meccan surah, received by Muhammad shortly after chapter 12, Yusuf, during his last year in Mecca. Like other surahs of this period, it praises God. Parts of Q15:4-74 are preserved in the Ṣan‘ā’1 lower text. This surah takes its name from 80th verse (āyah), which refers to Mada'in Saleh, a pre-Islamic archaeological site, also called Hegra (from ) or al-Ḥijr.

Summary

Central Theme

This surah contains brief mentions of Tawhid, and provides an admonition to the disbelievers. The primary subjects of the surah are: The Quran never limits itself to mere rebuke; reproach and reprimand. It depends on its statute. The surah contains brief contentions for Tawhid and admonition in the tale of Adam and Satan.

Exegesis

15:9 Preservation of the Quran

"15:9 We have, without doubt, sent down the Message; and We will assuredly guard it (from corruption). Translation Yusuf Ali (Orig. 1938)" Ibn Kathir says, "God, may He be exalted, stated that He is the One Who revealed the Dhikr to him, which is the Qur'an, and He is protecting it from being changed or altered".