stopped because of some displeasure but this was necessitated by the same expediency as underlies the peace and stillness of the night after the bright day, as if to say: "If you had continuously been exposed to the intensely bright light of Revelation waḥy your nerves could not have endured it. Therefore, an interval was given in order to afford you peace and tranquility." This state was experienced by Muhammad in the initial stage of the Prophethood when he was not yet accustomed to hear the intensity of Revelation. On this basis, observance of a pause in between was necessary. This we have already explained in the introduction to sura al-Muddaththir; and in E. N. 5 of Surah al-Muzzammil also we have explained what great burden of the coming down of Revelation he had to bear. Later, when Muhammad developed the power to bear this burden, there was no longer any need for long gaps. Theme and subject matter The Surat's theme is to console Muhammad and its object to remove his anxiety and distress, which he had been caused by the suspension of Revelation. First of all, swearing an oath by the bright morning and the stillness of night, he has been reassured, so as to say: "Your Lord has not at all forsaken you, nor is he displeased with you." Then, he has been given the good news that the hardships that he was experiencing in the initial stage of his mission, would not last long, for every later period of life for him would be better than the former period, and before long God would bless him so abundantly that he would be well pleased. This is one of the express prophecies of the Qur'an, which proved literally true, afterwards, whereas when this prophecy was made there seemed not to be the remotest chance that the helpless and powerless man who had come out to wage a war against the ignorance and paganism of the entire nation, would ever achieve such wonderful success. Then, addressing Muhammad, God says: "O My dear Prophet, what has caused you the anxiety and distress that your Lord has forsaken you, and that We are displeased with you? Whereas the fact is that We have been good to you with kindness after kindness ever since the day of your birth. You were born an orphan, We made the best arrangement for your