al-Hadid is the 57th sura of the Qur’an, which means ‘Iron’ and takes its name from verse 25. It belongs to the Medinan period and comprises 29 verses, 544 words, 2,476 letters, and 4 segments. It is the 94th sura in chronological order, revealed after Sura al-Zalzala. Verse 25 refers to God Almighty’s statement containing the message that He sent His messengers with clear signs, and sent the Book (al-Qur’an). It includes commands for maintaining balance and administering justice, and sent down iron with its great might to defend the truth and rights of the weak and oppose the unjust and wrongdoers, along with other benefits for humankind.

The sura begins by praising God Almighty’s Power, Wisdom, Authority, and Capability of giving life and causing death. Following this, the sura details the creation of the heavens and the earth in six periods of evolution, along with alternating nights and days. Furthermore, the sura states that the Qur’an is revealed to His beloved servant so he may bring the people out of darkness into light and emphasises spending in the way of God. The sura differentiates between two categories of the Holy Prophet’s (blessings and peace be upon him) Companions (may God be pleased with them); those who fought beside him and spent their wealth for his cause before the conquest of Mecca, and the others who fought in his company and spent their wealth for his cause after the conquest of Mecca. The sura states that the two categories of Companions (may God be pleased with them) are unparalleled; the first category of Companions (may God be pleased with them) are far greater in rank than the second category, yet Allah has promised each a fine reward.