Say: O Mohammad (Salla Allahu Alaihi Wa Sallam)
It is communicated to me that a party of the jinn heard (the Quran) and said, “We have heard a wonderful Quran… (Al Quran, Surah Al Jinn, Chapter 72: Verse 1)
Commentary:
The above verse should be understood in context of the following verses and the background of their revelevation:
72-1: Say: It is communicated to me that a party of the jinn heard (the Quran) and said, “We have heard a wonderful Quran.
72-2: It guides to the right way, so we have believed in it and we will never associate any partner with our Fosterer.
72-3: And Exalted be the Majesty of our Fosterer, He has not taken a wife or a son.
72-4: And the foolish among us used to say unjust (things) about Allah.
72-5: And we thought that mankind and jinn never speak a lie against Allah.
72-6: And persons from among human beings used to seek protection of persons from among the jinn so they increased them in error.
72-7: And they (too) thought as you thought that Allah will never raise anyone (to life after death).
72-8: And we searched the sky but found it filled with strong guards and flames.
72-9: And we used to sit in some of the sitting places thereof to hear, but now whoever hears, he finds a flame waiting for him.
72-10: And we do not know whether evil is intended for those who are in the earth or their Fosterer intends (to guide) them to the right way.
72-11: And among us are those who are righteous and among us (are those who are) other than that, we are sects following different traditions.
72-12: And we know that we can neither defeat Allah in the earth nor can we defeat Him by flight.
72-13: And when we heard the guidance, we believed in it, so whoever believes in his Fosterer, he should neither fear loss nor error.
72-14: And among us are those who have submitted (as Muslims) and among us are those who are unjust. So those who have submitted (as Muslims) such have taken to the right way.
72-15: And as for those who are unjust, they are the fuel for hell.”
72-16: And if they establish (themselves) on (the right) tradition We would give them to drink abundant water
72-17: so that We may test them thereby, and whoever turns away from the remembrance of his Fosterer He will cause him to enter severe punishment.
72-18: And the mosques are Allahs so do not pray to anyone (else along) with Allah.
72-19: And when the servant of Allah stood up to pray to Him they almost crowded over him. (R 1)
Background of Revelation of this Surah:
Narrated Ibn `Abbas: Allah’s Messenger (ﷺ) went out along with a group of his companions towards `Ukaz Market. At that time something intervened between the devils and the news of the Heaven, and flames were sent down upon them, so the devils returned. Their fellow-devils said, “What is wrong with you? ” They said, “Something has intervened between us and the news of the Heaven, and fires (flames) have been shot at us.” Their fellow-devils said, “Nothing has intervened between you and the news of the Heaven, but an important event has happened. Therefore, travel all over the world, east and west, and try to find out what has happened.” And so they set out and travelled all over the world, east and west, looking for that thing which intervened between them and the news of the Heaven. Those of the devils who had set out towards Tihama, went to Allah’s Messenger (ﷺ) at Nakhla (a place between Mecca and Taif) while he was on his way to `Ukaz Market. (They met him) while he was offering the Fajr prayer with his companions. When they heard the Holy Qur’an being recited (by Allah’s Messenger (ﷺ)), they listened to it and said (to each other). This is the thing which has intervened between you and the news of the Heavens.” Then they returned to their people and said, “O our people! We have really heard a wonderful recital (Qur’an). It gives guidance to the right, and we have believed therein. We shall not join in worship, anybody with our Lord.” (See 72.1-2) Then Allah revealed to His Prophet (Surat al- Jinn): ‘Say: It has been revealed to me that a group (3 to 9) of Jinns listened (to the Qur’an).’ (72.1) The statement of the Jinns was revealed to him.
Reference: Sahih al-Bukhari 4921
In-book reference: Book 65, Hadith 441
USC-MSA web (English) reference: Vol. 6, Book 60, Hadith 443
http://sunnah.com/bukhari/65/441
Verses 1-15: Details about the jinn who heard the Quran, are given.
Verse 16-17: Good will be rewarded and evil punished.
Verse 18: Mosques are for remembering Allah (SWT) only
Verse 19-28: The attitude of the opponents and the replies given to them are mentioned.