This is one of the earliest of the Sūras to be revealed,—probably within the first ten in chronological order.
Its mystic meaning is suggested by contrasts,—contrasts in nature and in man’s long history. Thus does it enforce the lesson of Faith in the Hereafter to “those who understand”. Man’s history and legendary lore show that greatness does not last and the proudest are brought low. For enforcing moral and spiritual truths, the strictest history is no better than legend. Indeed all artistic history is legend, for it is written from a special point of view.
Man is easily crowed by contrasts in his own fortunes, and yet he does not learn from them the lesson of forbearance and kindness to others, and the final elevation of goodness in the Hereafter. When all the things on which his mind and heart are set on this earth shall be crushed to nothingness, he will see the real glory and power, love and beauty, of God, for these are the light of the Garden of Paradise.

[89:1-30] Man is apt to forget the contrasts in nature and life, and all that they mean in his spiritual growth. Perchance his mind is so absorbed in what he sees, that he doubts the vast Realities he does not see. The Present makes him blind to the Past and the Future. Fooled by glory, he fears not a fall; and baulked in disaster, he gives up Hope and sometimes Faith. Let him study Nature and History, and restore his Faith: realizing the Sure Event, the Hereafter, let him find his fullest fulfillment in the service and the good pleasure of God!