This sūra lives up to its name by touching on the stories of several prophets, most of whom are recognizable from the Bible. The majority of these references are short, but there is a longer story about Abraham in conflict with his father and his people over the worship of idols. There is also some interesting information about David and Solomon, and Mary is referred to as the one into whom Allah breathed some of his spirit.

The sūra begins with a long passage about an encounter between the messenger and his audience. We seem to hear the audience’s objections and personal criticisms of the messenger and the messenger’s speeches in response. There is a warning about peoples of the past who did not listen and who were destroyed as a result. The Quran promises strict accounting on the Day of Resurrection and punishments that will come to some. This sūra also reassures the messenger and encourages him to continue to preach in spite of opposition.