Verses 1 to 5 of this Sura were the first direct Revelation to the holy Prophet. The circumstances, material and physical, in which they came, are described in Commentaries 28 to 30, which should be referred to.
After that there was an interval or break (Fatra), extending over some months or perhaps over a year. Sura 68 is usually considered to have been the next revelation in point of time. But the remainder of this Sura (verses 6 to 19) came soon after the Fatra, and that portion is joined on to the first five verses containing the command to preach, because it explains the chief obstacle to the delivery of the message to man, viz.:Man's own obstinacy, vanity, and insolence.
C.276-(Verses 1 to 19)-Noble is the mission of the Prophet, selected to proclaim the Message of Allah, the Lord and Cherisher of all His Creation, Whose measureless bounties include the instruction of man in new and ever new knowledge. But alas for man! He fancies himself self-sufficent, turns away from the Path, and misleads others. But nothing is hidden from Allah. He will bring all untruth and sin and rebellion to Judgment, and subdue all evil. The righteous bow in adoration to Allah, and draw closer to Him.
96:1 SURA 96. Iqraa, or Read! or Proclaim! or Alaq, or The Clot of Congealed Blood. In the name of Allah, Most Gracious, Most Merciful. Proclaim! (or Read!) in the name of thy Lord and Cherisher, Who created --
96:2 Created man, out of a (mere) clot of congealed blood:
96:3 Proclaim! And thy Lord is Most Bountiful, --
96:4 He Who taught (the use of) the Pen, --
96:5 Taught man that which he knew not.
96:6 Nay, but man doth transgress all bounds,
96:7 In that he looketh upon himself as self-sufficient.
96:8 Verily, to thy Lord is the return (of all).
96:9 Seest thou one who forbids --
96:10 A votary when he (turns) to pray?
96:11 Seest thou if he is on (the road of) Guidance? --
96:12 Or enjoins Righteousness?
96:13 Seest thou if he denies (Truth) and turns away?
96:14 Knoweth he not that Allah doth see?
96:15 Let him beware! If he desist not, We will drag him by the forelock, --
96:16 A lying, sinful forelock!
96:17 Then, let him call (for help) to his council (of comrades):
96:18 We will call on the angels of punishment (to deal with him)!
96:19 Nay, heed him not: But bow down in adoration, and bring thyself the closer (to Allah)!
