Few sūras since Sūra 54 have included stories of biblical characters, but in this sūra Moses reappears. “Has the story of Moses come to you?” The referential style of the episode raises questions: Is this an Arabic retelling of something overheard? Is it a new spin on a well-known story?

79.1 – By the ones who snatch violently!

A series of oaths leads once more to announcement of the Judgment Day. The audience asks whether it is really possible that they would be resurrected (vv. 10–11). The Creator’s power to do so is described later in the sūra (vv. 27–33).

Few sūras since Sūra 54 have included stories of biblical characters, but in this sūra Moses reappears. “Has the story of Moses come to you?” The referential style of the episode raises questions: Is this an Arabic retelling of something overheard? Is it a new spin on a well-known story?

79.1 – By the ones who snatch violently!

A series of oaths leads once more to announcement of the Judgment Day. The audience asks whether it is really possible that they would be resurrected (vv. 10–11). The Creator’s power to do so is described later in the sūra (vv. 27–33).