Occasion of Revelation (Sahih — Agreed Upon):
Umar narrated that the Prophet ﷺ said when this surah was revealed: "It is my death announcement." Aisha narrated he frequently said "Glory be to You, O Allah, and praise — I seek Your forgiveness and repent to You" after it was revealed — she said: "He was acting upon the Quran" referring to "then glorify your Lord and seek His forgiveness." It was revealed during the Farewell Pilgrimage (10 AH); the Prophet ﷺ died three months later.
Significance:
- "When Allah's help comes and the conquest" — announcement of religion's completion
- "You see people entering Allah's religion in multitudes" — describes what followed Mecca's conquest
- "Glorify your Lord and seek His forgiveness" — victories are to be sealed with humility, not pride
- Ibn Abbas perceived the meaning of this surah when others did not — Umar approved his understanding above senior companions
Question: How did Ibn Abbas understand Surah An-Nasr when other companions did not?
Answer: He understood it as a sign of the Prophet's approaching death — because Allah announced the completion of his mission — and Umar confirmed his understanding.