Occasion of Revelation (Sahih — Agreed Upon):
When "And warn your nearest kinsmen" (26:214) was revealed, the Prophet ﷺ climbed Mount Safa and called the Qurayshi clans by name until they gathered, then warned them of a severe punishment ahead. Abu Lahab — the Prophet's uncle — said angrily: "Ruination to you all day! Is this why you gathered us?" So was revealed:
"May the hands of Abu Lahab perish, and perish he."
Significance:
- The word "tabbat" (perish) used against the Prophet was turned back on Abu Lahab himself — the Quran used his own word against him
- The surah predicted he would die as a disbeliever — and he did, weeks after Badr, with no repentance
- His wife is described as "the carrier of firewood" — for spreading harmful gossip and discord
- This surah is among the greatest proofs of prophethood — it foretold the unseen and it came true
Question: How does Surah Al-Masad serve as evidence of prophethood?
Answer: It foretold Abu Lahab would die as a disbeliever — and he did. He could have disproved it by embracing Islam, but never did.