The opening passage of this sūra (vv. 1–8) contains a good deal of feeling (“Monstrous is the word,” v. 5) and perhaps even hints of force (“harsh violence,” v. 2). The reason seems to be the statement, “Allah has chosen a son ( walad ).” The Quran calls this a lie (v. 5) but offers no further explanation, except perhaps at verse 26.

The close proximity in the canonical progression of these verses to other verses about a son of Allah (17.111, and ahead to 19:35, 88) is intriguing.