When will the help of Allah arrive?
The revelation of Surah Al-Ankabut occurred when Muslims faced severe oppression. Once Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) began preaching Islam publicly, his few followers quickly found that professing faith meant facing ruthless torture and execution. Men from the Mecca like Abu Bakr (ra), were beaten unconscious in the streets, while slaves like Bilal b. Rabah (ra) and Suhayb b. Sinân (ra) were shackled and left to scorch in the midday desert sun.
The conditions had become extremely unfavorable, and a noble companion was tortured with burning coals without clothes. They took him to hot, open areas in the city when the sun was very strong. It was scorching on the ground. They removed his clothes, put iron armor on him, and laid him on the hot ground. Because of the intense heat, his skin would burn, and his body would become still. His skin melted due to the extreme conditions, and he went to Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him), asking, "Why isn't Allah's help coming, considering what we are going through?"
Then, the verses of Surah Al-Ankabut were revealed. When Surah Al-Ankabut was revealed, its initial verses emphasized patience. The first verses addressed the companions, saying, “Do people think once they say, “We believe,” that they will be left without being put to the test? We certainly tested those before them. And ˹in this way˺ Allah will clearly distinguish between those who are truthful and those who are liars.”
After this, the mention of Prophet Noah began, highlighting that he had to endure centuries of waiting, and eventually, Allah's help came through the flood. After that, the mention of Prophet Abrahim followed, who faced difficulties from his own people and was saved from the fire.
Then the story of Prophet Lut is mentioned. Prophet Lut was also supposed to migrate. However, at that point, the command for migration had not yet been given. Prophet Lut would be questioning when the command would come and when they would leave this place.
After a long period of patience, finally, the angels came, and the command for migration was given.
Allah, through these stories, was conveying to Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) that just as He helped all those previous prophets, He would help them too. However, they needed to be patient and wait, just as all of them had to wait.
This Surah gives us hope that help would surely come, and it would come in a way one cannot anticipate. All we have to do is wait patiently.
