Marmaduke Pickthall, The Meaning of The Glorious Koran. An Explanatory Translation (1930)
SÛRAH X
Derives its title from v. 99. “If only there had been a community (of those that were) destroyed of old that believed and profited by its belief as did the folk of Jonah!” As is the case with nearly all the Meccan Sûrahs, the date of revelation is uncertain, on account of the dearth of historical allusion. All that can with certainty be said is, that it belongs to the latest group of Meccan Sûrahs, and must therefore have been revealed at some time during the last four years before the Hijrah.
A late Meccan Sûrah, with the exception of three verses revealed at Al-Madînah.
Jonah
1. Alif. Lâm. Râ.1
2. These are verses of the wise Scripture.
3. Is it a wonder for mankind that We have inspired a man among them, saying: Warn mankind and bring unto those who believe the good tidings that they have a sure footing with their Lord? The disbelievers say: Lo! this is a mere wizard.
4. Lo! your Lord is Allah Who created the heavens and the earth in six Days,2 then He established Himself upon the Throne, directing all things. There is no intercessor (with Him) save after His permission. That is Allah, your Lord, so worship Him. Oh, will ye not remind?
1 See Sûr. II, v. i, footnote.
2 See XXII, 47, XXXII, 5, and LXX, 4.
