Although there is some debate amongst scholars, this sura is often considered to be the second revealed to the Islamic prophet Muhammad. After the first sura was received, al-Alaq, there was a period of silence in which no further messages were revealed. During this time, Muhammad wondered if he had somehow displeased God, who it seemed for a while was no longer sending down His message. This sura broke that silence, and reassured Muhammad that all will be understood in time.
