The Sūrah can be divided into the following six sections.
Section I (1-10)
The Prophet (sws) is directed to discharge his mission of inzaar with full preparation. He should declare the greatness of His Lord and cleanse and purge his heart from everything which may tarnish it. He should keep himself away from even the traces of polytheism and continue with his efforts. For the sake of his Lord, he should hold his ground against all hostilities. The Almighty shall make all his efforts fruitful and the call of Islam shall be spread far and wide.
Section II (11-17)
The Prophet (sws) should well inform the people about the afflictions of the Day of Judgement. The Day shall be very severe on the disbelievers and they should not consider it to be an easy affair. Those who reckon that on the Day of Judgement, if it all it comes, they shall be given even more than the riches they presently have, must remember that when the Almighty had created them from the wombs of their mothers they were totally alone in this world; they neither had wealth nor status at that time. It was the Almighty who blessed them with wealth and status; but instead of being grateful to their Lord, conceit and vanity overcame them and they held that whatever they have is their right by birth and they will be blessed with even more in the Hereafter. This, it is clear, is a totally false claim. If as a result of this, they rise against the Message of the Qur’ān, then they should remember that they will have to face a very severe penalty.
Section III (18-25)
A depiction of the excuse fashioned by the arrogant leaders of Quraysh to deny the Qur’ān and of the disdainful way in which they actually presented this excuse. Sorrow is expressed at this attitude: It is very unfortunate that their estimation of the Qur’ān is totally wrong: they reckoned it to be the work of an eloquent poet and never paid attention to it, whereas each sentence of it is a reality which they will soon encounter.
Section III (26-31)
A description of Hell which the disbelievers will encounter. These disbelievers used to indulge in vain talk about it. An assertion of the fact that since
these disbelievers are overcome by the false claim that they have knowledge of everything, they will make fun of this description and say that such statements are of no use. The truth of the matter is that this description is based on the wisdom of the Almighty. Those who have the desire for the truth are benefiting from it, while those who inspite of their ignorant claim of ‘to know everything’ will get entangled in an attitude which shall ruin their fate.
Section IV (32-48)
An argument from the manifestations of nature is presented and wonder is expressed at the ignorance of those who are unmindful of the biggest upheaval of the Universe. The Qur’ān is informing them about it so that all those who want to prepare for it can do so and those who want to evade it are left with no excuse but stubbornness. They should remember that on that Day each person will be held in pledge for his own deeds. Only his deeds will liberate him or lead him to the torment of Hell. No one’s deeds or intercession will be of any benefit for any other person. Only the ‘Ashaab-ul-Yameen’ will be declared as the victors; they shall live comfortably in Paradise and from there inquire from those who would be put in Hell as to what led them to it. In reply, the dwellers of Hell would openly confess the crimes which led them to their state of affliction.
Section V (48-52)
Wonder is expressed at those who are fleeing from the Message of the Qur’ān and the real reason which is making them flee is indicated. The Prophet (sws) is directed to ignore them. His responsibility is only to remind them. Those who shall not benefit from this, will see for themselves its dire consequences. Only those shall benefit from it who according to the Almighty’s laws deserve to be benefited.